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
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
Like other immigrants around us, my parents adhered to the model minority pattern of assimilation publicly, but simultaneously expected us to code-switch privately, holding onto our otherness through food, language, and community gatherings.
—
Deepa Purushothaman, Fortune, 7 May 2024
The limitations of the human body may well be the Biennale’s true subject, but at this installment, the sixtieth since 1895, the explicit theme is otherness.
—Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 2 May 2024
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
Deepa Purushothaman, Fortune, 7 May 2024
The limitations of the human body may well be the Biennale’s true subject, but at this installment, the sixtieth since 1895, the explicit theme is otherness.
—Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 2 May 2024
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
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.
Dictionary Entries Near otherness
Cite this Entry
“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/otherness. Accessed 14 May. 2024.
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