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

• contrast
• difference
• disagreement
• discrepancy
• disparateness
• disparity
• dissimilarity
• dissimilitude
• distance
• distinction
• distinctiveness
• distinctness
• diverseness
• diversity
• unlikeness

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

For some, holiness has an otherness quality set apart from all (or most) of humanity. —Walt Shelton, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Aug. 2024

Given how crucial football is to Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030 strategy’, moving there would jeopardise his sense of ‘otherness’ and become an extension of the state’s machinery. —Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024

The music itched with palpable otherness, from the experience of a Black art-school kid hailing from Stone Mountain, Georgia, and recklessly lumbered with the intention of redefining Black male cool. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 24 July 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1