otherness

noun

oth·​er·​ness ˈə-t͟hər-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being other or different

2

: something that is other or different

Synonyms of otherness

• distinctiveness
• distinctness
• difference
• diversity
• distinction
• contrast

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

The Pan America’s crazy hillbilly otherness really works for me in that regard. — New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026

Even while exposing the sheer otherness of rock and metal, the piece implies that there is an unexpected similarity between us and inanimate things. — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Texans have always seemed to relish their otherness, maybe even more so now that, in our age of globalization, so much sameness has infiltrated most American and international cities. — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026

In the streets of New York, Gruyaert found an avenue to explore otherness. — Air Mail, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1