outsider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outsider" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who does not belong to a particular group or community, often implying a sense of alienation or difference. Example: "As an outsider in the new city, she found it challenging to make friends and feel at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The 46-year-old Lee is obsessed with obscure musicians, outsider artists and forgotten writers and he brings some of their off-kilter spirit to standup comedy.

The Guardian

He was elected as the independent-minded, political outsider in 2000 and he lost as the establishment figure, standing alongside Gordon Brown, in 2008.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even a mid-budget movie costs a lot of money to make, and needs to make it back whereas financial success was practically an obstacle to artistic achievement for most of the outsider musicians Frank celebrates.

The Guardian - Film

Lukashenko won a free and fair presidential election in 1994 after campaigning as a political outsider with an anti-corruption agenda, but once in charge he steadily consolidated his authority, changing the constitution to extend his term in power.

The Guardian

Photographs alone may not always be sufficient, he added, "but taken with the testimony of at least one outsider, they are likely to be crucial.

The Guardian - Tech

Would that sense of being the outsider have been shared?

The Guardian - Opinion

I just suddenly freaked out.’ Was the problem at drama school also that he felt like an outsider?

The Guardian - Film

Meanwhile, local students at Manchester are themselves offering support to their outsider peers, with a programme to show them the ins and outs of their new neighbourhood.

The Guardian

A Texas Republican known for outsider views has announced he is challenging Speaker John Boehner for the top job in the US House of Representatives.

The Guardian

Ukip looks doomed to go on being the party of the outsider, unwilling or unable to make the transition to finding an effective way of representing the people whose support it claims.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't believe Craske should be viewed either as an outsider artist, or as naive," said Prof Neil Powell, who has curated the exhibition with Craske's biographer Julia Blackburn.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "outsider" can sometimes imply a negative connotation of being excluded or different. Be mindful of the impact and consider neutral alternatives if appropriate. Words like "newcomer" or "observer" can soften the tone.

Common error

Avoid using "outsider" as a catch-all term for anyone who is different. Be specific about the nature of their difference and the context in which they are an outsider. Ensure you are using the term in a way that respects individual identities and experiences.

Linguistic Context

The word "outsider" primarily functions as a noun, referring to someone who is not part of a particular group, community, or organization. Ludwig indicates that the term is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "outsider" is a common and grammatically sound noun used to describe someone not belonging to a particular group or community. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. Its frequent occurrence in news sources suggests its broad applicability, while related terms like "stranger" or "newcomer" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. When using "outsider", consider the implications of exclusion and choose synonyms carefully to avoid unintended negative connotations. The overgeneralization of the term is a common error; specify the nature of the difference instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stranger

Highlights the unfamiliarity and lack of connection to a place or group.

non-member

Focuses on the formal aspect of not belonging to a specific group or organization.

alien

Emphasizes the feeling of being foreign or different from the surrounding environment.

foreigner

Indicates someone from a different country or culture.

newcomer

Suggests someone who has recently joined a community or organization and is not yet integrated.

isolated individual

Emphasizes the state of being alone and disconnected from others.

marginalized person

Highlights the social exclusion and lack of power experienced by some individuals.

outcast

Suggests someone who has been rejected or excluded from a group or society.

dissenter

Focuses on someone who disagrees with the prevailing opinions or beliefs of a group.

lone wolf

Describes someone who prefers to work or operate independently, often by choice.

FAQs

How can I use "outsider" in a sentence?

You can use "outsider" to describe someone who is not part of a particular group or community. For example, "As an outsider in the company, it took me a while to understand the office culture."

What can I say instead of "outsider"?

You can use alternatives like "stranger", "foreigner", or "newcomer" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "outsider" and "foreigner"?

"Outsider" generally refers to someone not part of a group or community, while "foreigner" specifically refers to someone from a different country.

Is it always negative to be labeled as an "outsider"?

Not necessarily. While it can imply exclusion, sometimes being an "outsider" can provide a fresh perspective or the ability to see things differently.