otherness

noun

oth·​er·​ness ˈə-t͟hər-nəs How to pronounce otherness (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being other or different
2
: something that is other or different

Examples of otherness in a Sentence

As an American growing up in Africa, I always felt a sense of otherness. the otherness of their small religious community
Recent Examples on the Web Consider the opening scene of Blade and how quickly those blood sprinklers turn ecstasy into terror, revealing the otherness of a bunch of hungry vampires. Vulture, 25 Mar. 2023 And, at times, those who are poor are treated as less than, and with an attitude of otherness. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 15 Dec. 2023 Mayan's work encompasses themes like connection and otherness, gay culture, intimacy and relationships and is characterized by senses of humanity and empathy. Photovogue, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2023 But in horror movies, there’s often this notion of otherness — of the monster existing outside of societal norms. Josh Ocampo, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2023 And then on the narrative side of Simpson Street, we’re so invested in upending otherness and what protagonists look like. Marissa Evans, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2023 This ostracism, this otherness, is among the most distressing feelings that can be felt by our social species. Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 30 June 2023 But the casting of Asian American actresses in two of the main roles has reframed the musical to emphasize its exploration of the otherness — an otherness that some Asian Americans often feel in the United States and elsewhere. Matt Stevens, New York Times, 18 June 2023 After the film’s release, Haynes, writing in Bomb magazine, drew attention to Reichardt’s otherness. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 22 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'otherness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of otherness was in 1587

Dictionary Entries Near otherness

Cite this Entry

“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/otherness. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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