C1noun2K

Outsider

UK /["/ˌaʊtˈsaɪdə(r)/"]/US /["/ˌaʊtˈsaɪdər/"]/

Definition

a person who is not accepted as a member of a society, group, etc.

In simple words: A person who is not part of a group or community.

Examples

  • Here she felt she would always be an outsider.
  • I started to feel like a complete outsider.
  • an outsider to the group
  • They have decided to hire outsiders for some of the key positions.
  • To an outsider it may appear to be a glamorous job.
  • The race was won by a **rank outsider** *(= a complete )*.

Usage notes

The term is used in both formal and informal contexts, often to describe someone who doesn't belong to a specific social group. It can carry a negative connotation if implying exclusion.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of someone standing outside a fence, looking in. They are an outsider.

Collocations

  • complete
  • political
  • social
  • feel
  • feel like
  • outsider to
  • complete
  • rank
  • outsider in

Synonyms

  • foreigner
  • stranger
  • nonmember
  • interloper
  • alien

Antonyms

  • insider
  • member
  • belonger

Common mistakes

  • Using 'outsider' to refer to someone who is simply new to a place, without considering their social integration.
  • Confusing 'outsider' with 'outcast'; an outsider is not always rejected.
  • Using 'outsider' in a sentence where 'insider' would be more appropriate.