Foreigner vs I still feel like an outsider

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Foreigner

Top 2,000 (common)C1noun

I still feel like an outsider

Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Foreigner
 ForeignerI still feel like an outsider
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈfɒrənə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈfɔːrənər/"]/🇬🇧 //aɪ stɪl fiːl laɪk ən aʊtsaɪdə//🇺🇸 //aɪ stɪl fil laɪk æn aʊtsaɪdər//
MeaningA person from another country.I still think I don't belong.
ExampleThe fact that I was a foreigner was a big disadvantage.After moving to a new city, I still feel like an outsider.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelC1-
Part of speechnoun
Collocationsforeigners living abroad, foreigners in a country, welcome foreignersfeel like an outsider, still feel, outsider in a group, never feel like an outsider, always feel like an outsider
Antonymslocal, native, citizen, resident-
Common mistakesConfused with 'foreigner' vs 'foreigners' (plural), Used inappropriately in sensitive contexts, Mispronunciation due to unfamiliar syllable stressMisusing 'feel like' with adjectives instead of nouns., Confusing 'outsider' with 'insider' when explaining feelings.
Usage notesUsed in both formal and informal contexts. Be cautious as it can carry a negative connotation in some cultures. It's suitable to use when discussing travel, immigration, or cultural differences but might be inappropriate when used in a derogatory way.Used to express a feeling of not fitting in. It's suitable for casual conversations or reflections but may be too emotional for formal contexts.

See it in real clips

I still feel like an outsider

Frequently asked questions: Foreigner vs I still feel like an outsider

What's the difference between Foreigner and I still feel like an outsider?

Foreigner: A person from another country. I still feel like an outsider: I still think I don't belong.

Which is more common: Foreigner and I still feel like an outsider?

Foreigner is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Foreigner: The fact that I was a foreigner was a big disadvantage. I still feel like an outsider: After moving to a new city, I still feel like an outsider.

Can I use Foreigner and I still feel like an outsider interchangeably?

Not always. Foreigner and I still feel like an outsider are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

Related comparisons