Outsiders
/ˈaʊtˌsaɪdərz/
Definitions
2 meaningsPersons not belonging to a particular group or organization, or not accepted by society.
/ˈaʊtˌsaɪdərz/
People who are not members of a particular group, society, or organization.
The team was surprised by an outsider who won the competition.
💡 Simply: Imagine a club you want to join, but you're not a member. You're an outsider! Maybe you don't know the secret handshake or rules, making it harder to fit in. Think of someone who doesn't belong. Maybe they're new to the neighborhood, don't share the same hobbies, or have different beliefs.
👶 For kids: People who don't belong to a group or club.
More Examples
The new employee felt like an outsider at the office.
Many artists and writers throughout history have seen themselves as outsiders.
How It's Used
"The study focused on the experiences of outsiders in the community."
"Outsiders often bring a fresh perspective to the company."
"The novel depicted the struggles of outsiders within a rigid society."
Someone who is not directly involved in a situation, but is observing it or commenting on it.
/ˈaʊtˌsaɪdərz/
A person who is not involved in a particular situation or discussion.
As an outsider, she had a unique perspective on the company's problems.
💡 Simply: Picture a group of friends discussing a secret. You're not in the know, so you are on the outside looking in; You're an outsider to that conversation. It's someone who is not included or is not part of what is currently going on.
👶 For kids: Someone who is not part of the action.
More Examples
They brought in a consultant, an outsider, to help solve the dispute.
The jurors, as outsiders, were able to view the evidence impartially.
How It's Used
"The media is comprised of outsiders."
"The judge listened to what the outsiders have to say about the issue."
Synonyms
Alien
Foreigner
Newcomer
Outcast
Bystander
Detached
Observer
Idioms & expressions
Outsider art
Art produced by self-taught artists who are not part of the mainstream art world.
"The gallery featured a collection of outsider art, showcasing unique perspectives."
The Outsiders
Referring to a novel or its characters who feel alienated or different from society.
"She read The Outsiders and felt connected to the characters' struggles."
From "outside" + "-er" (agent suffix) + "-s" (plural). Reflects those who are not members of a group or organization, or who are unfamiliar with a particular environment or culture.
The word's usage has evolved to reflect societal changes, moving beyond simple physical location to include social and cultural exclusion.
Memory tip
Think of someone standing *outside* the circle, not included.