Stranger

Definition

The term "stranger" refers to a person who is unknown or unfamiliar to someone, or someone who is not accustomed to or experienced in a particular situation.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈstreɪn.dʒɚ/
• Respelling: STRAYN-jer

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈstreɪn.dʒə/
• Respelling: STRAYN-juh

Etymology

The word "stranger" originates from Old French "estrangier," meaning "foreigner" or "outsider," which derives from Latin "extraneus," meaning "external" or "foreign." Its use expanded in Middle English to refer to unfamiliar people or situations.

Derivatives

• Strangeness (noun)
• Estrange (verb)
• Strangerhood (noun)
• Estrangement (noun)
• Stranger-like (adjective)

Synonyms

• Foreigner
• Outsider
• Unknown

Antonyms

• Acquaintance
• Friend
• Familiar

Usage

The term "stranger" is often used to describe someone unfamiliar or unknown in social or personal contexts. For example: "She was kind to the stranger who asked for directions," or "He felt like a stranger in his own city after years abroad."

Related Terms

• Foreigner: A person from another country.
• Acquaintance: A person known but not intimately.
• Alien: Someone belonging to a different country or environment.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Someone unknown or unfamiliar: Refers to a person with whom one has no acquaintance or familiarity.
  • Example: "A stranger approached her to ask for help."
• Someone unaccustomed to or inexperienced in something: Refers to a person unfamiliar with a particular environment or activity.
  • Example: "He was no stranger to hard work."