Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for otherness. Search instead for othernesses.
Synonyms

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.

The withholding nature of Chernin’s Leo poses some theatrical risks but goes a long way toward explaining how the character’s otherness could be turned against him in such a malignant way.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2025

Penfolds refers to these blends as "wine of the world", and says that they "possess an otherness that can best be described as worldly".

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2025

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

And then on the narrative side of Simpson Street, we’re so invested in upending otherness and what protagonists look like.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 25, 2023

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

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "otherness" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com