Outsider

Definition

Outsider typically refers to a person who does not belong to a particular group, organization, or place. It can also signify someone who is not accepted by or familiar with a specific community or culture.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈaʊtˌsaɪdər/
• Respelling: OUT-sy-der (with "OUT" as in "out," "sy" as in "sigh," and "der" as in "her")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈaʊtˌsaɪdə/
• Respelling: OUT-sy-duh (similar to American English, with "OUT" as in "out," "sy" as in "sigh," and "duh" as a softer "der")

In both dialects, "outsider" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "OUT." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "OUT-sy-der" or "OUT-sy-duh."

Etymology

The term "outsider" is derived from the combination of "out-" meaning beyond or external and "side." Historically, it was used to describe someone or something located outside a boundary or group.

Derivatives

• Outsiderdom
• Outsidership
• Outsiderish
• Outsiderly
• Outsiderism

Synonyms

• Alien
• Stranger
• Outcast

Antonyms

• Insider
• Member
• Native

Usage

As a Noun

• In Social Context: Outsider can refer to an individual who feels they do not belong or are not accepted within a particular group or society.
• In Cultural Context: It might denote someone unfamiliar or not integrated with a particular culture, community, or tradition.

Related Terms

• Marginalized
• Isolated
• Excluded
• Foreigner
• Nonmember

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Social Context: A person who is not regarded as belonging to a particular group or community, either by personal feeling or societal designation.
• Example: "Despite being in the team for years, he still felt like an outsider."

• Cultural Context: Someone who is unfamiliar with or not integrated into a particular culture, tradition, or system.
• Example: "As a foreigner, she felt like an outsider in the new country."