Stranger Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
stranger
[หstreษชndสษr ]
Definitions
meeting
A person whom one does not know or with whom one is not familiar.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stranger |
Used to refer to someone you do not know, often in casual or informal conversations.
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| foreigner |
Used to describe someone from another country, often in discussions about nationality or cultural background.
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| unknown |
Used to describe something or someone that is not known or identified. Often used in formal or mysterious contexts.
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| outsider |
Used to describe someone who is not part of a particular group, community, or social circle. It can sometimes have a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He was approached by a stranger in the street.
- I felt like a stranger at the party.
book
A novel, movie, or television program involving a suspenseful plot in which the characters are strangers.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stranger |
A person whom you do not know or who is unknown to you.
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| mystery |
Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.
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| intruder |
A person who enters a place without permission, often with a negative or malicious intent.
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| guest |
A person who visits your home, event, or place, often invited.
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Examples of usage
- The book is a compelling thriller about a stranger who arrives in a small town.
- The movie revolves around a mysterious stranger who disrupts the lives of the townspeople.
social media
A person whom one has not met in real life but interacts with online.
Synonyms
digital friend, online acquaintance, virtual stranger.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stranger |
Use in general contexts to describe someone you do not know at all.
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| online acquaintance |
Use to describe someone you know through the internet but have minimal interaction with, like someone you follow but don't talk to often.
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| digital friend |
Use to describe someone you've had meaningful and positive interactions with online, but have not met in person.
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| virtual stranger |
Use to emphasize the distant or impersonal nature of your online 'relationships,' or when the connection is even less than an online acquaintance.
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Examples of usage
- She became friends with a stranger on social media.
- Don't trust strangers on the internet.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many societies, strangers can symbolize both potential danger and opportunity, highlighting our instinct to be cautious yet curious.
- Stories and folklore often feature strangers with extraordinary abilities or wisdom, highlighting the lesson of not judging by appearances.
Psychology
- Humans naturally feel wary of strangers due to evolutionary traits designed to protect us from threats.
- The 'stranger anxiety' in children occurs around 6-12 months as they become aware of familiar faces versus unfamiliar ones.
Literature
- Strangers have long been central to many novels and films, often driving plots where encounters lead to friendship, conflict, or personal growth.
- In existential literature, the figure of the stranger can represent the internal struggle of identity and belonging.
Social Interactions
- Meeting strangers can lead to new friendships and connections, illustrating the value of social networks in personal and professional growth.
- Acts of kindness toward strangers can significantly enhance societal feelings of community and trust.
Origin of 'stranger'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'extraneus,' meaning 'foreign' or 'not belonging,' showing how it refers to someone outside your circle.
- In Old French, the word was 'estranger,' which meant 'to be unfamiliar' or 'to make strange,' reflecting the concept of distance.
The word 'stranger' has Middle English origins, derived from the Old French word 'estrangier'. It has been used in the English language since the 13th century. The concept of a stranger has been a part of human society since ancient times, with emphasis on caution and curiosity towards unknown individuals.
See also: strangely, strangeness.