Strange Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฝ
strange
[streษชndส ]
Definitions
feeling or causing surprise or wonder
Unusual or surprising in a way that is unsettling or hard to understand. Strange can also refer to something that is not familiar or expected.
Synonyms
odd, peculiar, unusual, weird.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
strange |
Use when something is unfamiliar or difficult to understand, often surprising.
|
unusual |
Refers to something that is not common or happens infrequently; generally neutral in tone.
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odd |
Used for things that deviate slightly from normal behavior or appearance; often minor or harmless quirks.
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weird |
Implies something is very strange and often unsettling or creepy, generally with a negative connotation.
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peculiar |
Describes something that is unusually different and often unique to a specific situation or person.
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Examples of usage
- It was strange to see a cat chasing a dog.
- She had a strange feeling that she was being watched.
not previously visited, seen, or encountered; unfamiliar or alien
Something that is unfamiliar or unknown, often causing a feeling of discomfort or unease. It can also refer to a place or situation that is new or different.
Synonyms
alien, exotic, foreign, unfamiliar.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
strange |
Use when describing something or someone that is unusual or hard to understand.
|
foreign |
Suitable for referring to something or someone from another country or something unfamiliar.
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alien |
Often used to describe something or someone from another world or completely different from what is known.
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unfamiliar |
Good for situations where you want to express that something or someone is not known or recognized.
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exotic |
Best used when describing something that is attractively unusual or strikingly different, often related to culture, food, or places.
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Examples of usage
- The forest had a strange, eerie atmosphere.
- He found himself in a strange city with no idea how he got there.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Strange characters often appear in movies and books, like the 'Strange' in Marvel Comics, known for his magical powers.
- The TV series 'Stranger Things' has popularized the concept of the 'strange' with its odd occurrences in a small town.
- Strange music genres, like avant-garde, challenge listener expectations and norms, turning traditional ideas upside down.
Psychology
- Humans often have a natural discomfort with the strange, a phenomenon known as the 'uncanny valley,' which describes how we react to humanoid robots.
- Studies show that encounters with the strange can trigger curiosity and creative thinking, pushing people to explore new ideas.
- The โstrange attractorโ in chaos theory brings a scientific perspective to how irregular patterns emerge in complex systems.
Literature
- Many classic novels feature strange characters who serve as symbols of deeper societal issues, like the alienation seen in Kafka's works.
- The term is often used in surrealist literature, emphasizing the bizarre and fantastical elements that challenge reality.
- Poets like Emily Dickinson utilize the idea of the strange to explore themes of isolation and identity.
Cultural Significance
- The appreciation of the strange is often seen in art movements like surrealism and dada, which focused on disorienting realities.
- Strange foods, such as insects or exotic fruits, represent culinary trends that challenge conventional eating norms.
- Cultural festivals often celebrate the strange, showcasing unique customs, from quirky parades to unusual art installations.
Origin of 'strange'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'externus,' meaning 'outer' or 'foreign,' suggesting something unfamiliar.
- In Middle English, 'strange' referred to people or things from outside one's community or nation.
- Over time, the meaning shifted to include anything that feels odd or not typical.
The word 'strange' originated from the Old French word 'estraindre', which means 'foreign' or 'outside'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the meaning of unusual or unfamiliar. The concept of something being strange has been present in human culture for centuries, often associated with mystery and the unknown.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #2,038, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.
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