sense of otherness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of otherness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the feeling or perception of being different or distinct from others, often in a cultural or social context. Example: "The artist's work evokes a strong sense of otherness, inviting viewers to reflect on their own identities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They grasp that the architect's responsibility is to displace the familiar with a sense of otherness.

The New York Times - Arts

The strangeness of being adopted doesn't diminish with age For me, growing up, there was always this sense of otherness.

Independent

We go away on holiday to discover something new, an experience that provides contrast from our daily lives,  and that gives us - however fleetingly - a sense of otherness.

Independent

As I walked away, I was really thinking about my daughters' futures and whether they'd feel this same sense of otherness.

The New York Times

The pair photographed these often mundane-looking spaces in a detached documentary style that actually heightens their abiding sense of otherness.

The Guardian - Arts

So while her friends get to know the words to songs in "High School Musical 2," Gillian is getting to know a sense of otherness.

The New York Times

But this morning, it's as though the cafe is not in Manhattan but in Paris: a place to speak one's own language, to eat familiar food, and to escape the expat's sense of otherness.

The New York Times

If it's someone you grew up loving, you never quite lose that towering sense of otherness.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

However, some I simply created to try to emphasise a sense of 'otherness' from European languages - verbs are conjugated with a prefix, for example.

BBC

There's a strong sense of 'otherness.' It's as if we are seeing evidence of a different aesthetic society for the first time.

Huffington Post

"Thankfully, I don't think I was bullied enough to really hate my eyes, or my Asian-ness in general, but I definitely felt a sense of [otherness].

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of otherness" to describe a nuanced feeling of being different, considering the social, cultural, or personal context.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of otherness" when simpler terms like "difference" or "uniqueness" suffice. Reserve it for situations involving deep feelings of alienation or marginalization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of otherness" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a feeling or perception of being different or distinct. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of otherness" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe feelings of alienation, distinctiveness, or not belonging. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence in news, media, academic, and encyclopedic contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it with nuance, reserving it for situations where the feeling of difference is profound. Related phrases like "feeling of alienation" and "perception of difference" can serve as alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of not belonging

Directly addresses the lack of connection or integration.

feeling like an outsider

Conveys the sensation of not belonging or being part of a group.

feeling of disconnectedness

Highlights the emotional gap between oneself and others.

feeling of alienation

Focuses more on the emotional experience of being isolated or estranged.

experience of being different

A broad term encompassing any form of divergence from the norm.

perception of difference

Highlights the cognitive awareness of not being the same as others.

perception of being unlike others

Emphasizes the cognitive process of recognizing dissimilarity.

experience of marginalization

Emphasizes the social exclusion and power imbalances involved.

state of estrangement

Implies a separation or distance from a group or society.

awareness of distinctiveness

Stresses the recognition of unique qualities setting one apart.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of otherness" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of otherness" to describe feelings of alienation or distinctiveness, such as: "Growing up in a foreign country, she developed a strong "sense of otherness"."

What's a good alternative to "sense of otherness"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "feeling of alienation", "perception of difference", or "feeling like an outsider".

Is "sense of otherness" a formal or informal expression?

"Sense of otherness" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is often used in academic or analytical writing to discuss social and psychological experiences.

What contributes to a "sense of otherness"?

Factors such as cultural background, ethnicity, social status, or personal experiences can contribute to a "sense of otherness", leading individuals to feel different or excluded from a particular group or society.