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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The two find solidarity in a shared sense of otherness, and see their mutual queerness as something to love rather than something to fear. Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 12 June 2024 It’s also suggested that the lack of safe spaces outside of work (where for many minorities racial and social inequalities are most felt) and home have contributed to feelings of isolation and otherness amongst young Black people. L'oréal Blackett, refinery29.com, 2 Oct. 2024 French philosopher Emmanuel Levinas once distinguished between two forms of otherness. Simon Njami, Artforum, 16 Apr. 2024 The burden of representing otherness here falls more on the Chinese community, nominally led by Mr. Hong (Jim Lau) although his mother (Cici Lau) and daughter (Phoebe Ho) exercise soft power. Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for otherness 

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 22 Nov. 2024.

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