Outcast

'aʊtˌkæst

nounmedium📊CommonSocial
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A person who has been rejected or excluded from a society or group.

'aʊtˌkæst

nounnegativemedium
Social

A person who is rejected from their society or social group.

After his political views became public, he was considered an outcast in his community.

💡 Simply: Think of an outcast like the kid in class who always eats lunch alone and nobody talks to. They're left out.

👶 For kids: Someone who isn't liked and is left out of a group.

More Examples

2

The protagonist in the story was an outcast because of his unusual appearance.

3

She felt like an outcast when she moved to a new school and didn't know anyone.

How It's Used

Social Studies

"The novel tells the story of an outcast who struggles to find acceptance."

Literature

"He was labeled an outcast after his controversial actions."

2

Rejected or excluded from a society or group.

'aʊtˌkæst

adjectivenegativemedium
Social

Rejected or excluded.

The outcast group found solace in their shared experiences.

💡 Simply: If something is outcast, it's like it's been kicked out and isn't allowed to join the fun. Think of a lonely toy.

👶 For kids: Not wanted and left out.

More Examples

2

They lived in an outcast community due to their differing beliefs.

3

He felt outcast after being ostracized by his friends.

How It's Used

Literature

"The outcast community struggled to survive."

Social Studies

"They lived in an outcast society where everyone was treated poorly."

Tip:Think of someone who is 'cast out' and therefore, rejected.

Idioms & expressions

cast out

To expel or eject someone or something; to reject or abandon.

"The village cast out the man who stole from them."

From Middle English out-cast, from Old English út-cast, a combination of út (out) and cast (thrown).

The term 'outcast' has been used for centuries to describe individuals or groups excluded from their community. It often appears in literature and historical accounts of persecution and social injustice.

Memory tip

Imagine someone being "cast out" of a group.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"út (out) and cast (thrown), conveying the idea of being thrown out or excluded."

social outcastcultural outcastpolitical outcast

Common misspellings

outcasted

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written