Outsider
'aʊt.saɪ.dər
Definitions
2 meaningsA person not belonging to a group, community, or organization.
'aʊt.saɪ.dər
A person who does not belong to a particular group, organization, or society.
She always felt like an outsider in her family.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of friends playing a game. An outsider is someone who's not playing with them, maybe watching from the edge. It can be someone who's new, or just doesn't feel like they fit in.
👶 For kids: Someone who's not part of a group. Like if you're not invited to a party, you're an outsider!
More Examples
As an outsider, he had a unique perspective on the company's problems.
The jury considered the evidence from an outsider's point of view.
How It's Used
"The new student felt like an outsider in the class."
"The candidate was considered an outsider, not connected to the established political circles."
"The underdog team was seen as an outsider in the competition."
A person whose views and behaviors are unconventional or not accepted by the majority.
'aʊt.saɪ.dər
A person who does not conform to the norms or expectations of a particular society.
The artist was viewed as an outsider for his unconventional style.
💡 Simply: Sometimes people do things differently from what's considered 'normal'. An outsider is someone who does their own thing, maybe dressing differently, or having different opinions.
👶 For kids: Someone who does things differently from what most people do.
More Examples
He was an outsider in terms of his political beliefs.
They were seen as outsiders because of their non-conformist lifestyle.
How It's Used
"Artists are sometimes seen as outsiders, challenging societal norms."
"An outsider might be seen as an individual who doesn't conform to society's normal expectations."
Idioms & expressions
looking in from the outside
Observing a situation or group without being directly involved.
"From the outside, it looked like the company was thriving."
the outsider's perspective
A viewpoint from someone not part of the group.
"We need an outsider's perspective to see if we are being too involved."
From "out" + "sider", denoting someone who is outside a particular group, community, or system. First recorded in the late 19th century.
The term has been used since the late 19th century, originally referring to someone not part of a specific social or political group.
Memory tip
Think of someone standing outside a building, looking in.
Word Origin
"Someone who is outside; outside of a specific group or boundary."