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otherness

American  
[uhth-er-nis] / ˈʌð ər nɪs /

noun

  1. the state or fact of being different or distinct.

  2. the quality or state of being perceived or treated as different, foreign, strange, etc..

    Certain ethnic groups embrace their otherness.


otherness British  
/ ˈʌðənɪs /

noun

  1. the quality of being different or distinct in appearance, character, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of otherness

First recorded in 1580–90; other + -ness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

"Let's keep celebrating the otherness," she said during her acceptance speech.

From BBC Feb. 28, 2026

As a Kryptonian raised on Earth by human parents, the character has been shown in stories where he struggles with his own sense of otherness and belonging because he straddles two worlds.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 12, 2025

As a result, it delves into race and the otherness experienced by a girl who was longing to belong.

From Los Angeles Times May 29, 2024

Because I break bread with and claim to be part of this marked construct, this otherness, complete with jail time within the carceral state, allow me to enlighten you.

From Salon Jan. 1, 2024

Now the painted group felt the otherness of Samneric, felt the power in their own hands.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

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