Foreign

Definition

Foreign refers to something that is from, or characteristic of, a country or culture other than one's own. It can also describe something unfamiliar, external, or irrelevant to a particular context or system.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɔːrən/ or /ˈfɔːrɪn/
• Respelling: FOR-uhn or FOR-in

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɒrən/
• Respelling: FOR-uhn

Etymology

The word "foreign" originates from the Latin "foris," meaning "outside" or "outdoors." It passed through Old French as "forain," meaning "external" or "strange," and entered Middle English in the 14th century, retaining its sense of being from an external place.

Derivatives

• Foreigner (noun)
• Foreignness (noun)
• Foreign-born (adjective)
• Foreignize (verb)
• Foreignly (adverb)

Synonyms

• External
• Alien
• Overseas

Antonyms

• Domestic
• Native
• Familiar

Usage

The adjective "foreign" is often used to describe entities related to other countries, as in "She enjoys studying foreign languages." It is also used metaphorically to describe unfamiliar or irrelevant things, such as "This concept is completely foreign to me."

Related Terms

• International: Relating to or involving multiple countries.
• Alien: Something unfamiliar or belonging to another place.
• Exotic: Referring to something strikingly unusual or different, often from another country.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Relating to or derived from another country: Describes entities associated with a foreign nation.
  • Example: "The country has strong foreign trade policies."
• Unfamiliar or strange: Refers to something not well-known or understood.
  • Example: "The customs of the tribe were foreign to him."
• External or irrelevant: Denotes something that is unrelated or extraneous to a particular matter.
  • Example: "This issue is foreign to the topic under discussion."