Pariah: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used to describe someone who is rejected or shunned by society or a particular group. It carries a strong negative connotation.

• After the scandal, he was treated as a pariah by his colleagues.
• She felt like a pariah in her own family.

Describes someone who is rejected or excluded by society or a particular group. It has a strong negative connotation and is often used in social contexts.

• He became an outcast after refusing to follow the group's rules.
• The villagers treated her like an outcast because of her unusual beliefs.

Refers to someone who is forced to leave their home or country, often for political reasons. It can be voluntary or involuntary and does not always have a negative connotation.

• He lived in exile for many years after the revolution.
• During the war, many people went into exile to escape persecution.

This term is used to describe someone who has been rejected or turned away. It carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in contexts related to personal relationships or societal acceptance.

• She felt like a reject after getting turned down by all the colleges she applied to.
• The community treated him as a reject because of his past mistakes.

Is a formal or legal term, often used in diplomatic contexts, to describe a person who is no longer welcome in a particular country or place.

• The ambassador was declared persona non grata and asked to leave the country.
• After his controversial statements, he became persona non grata at the conference.