outsider

/ˌaʊtˈsaɪdə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌaʊtˈsaɪdər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌau̇t-ˈsī-dər ˈau̇t-ˌsī-/ (ame, mw)

outsider — noun

  • outsidersingular
  • outsidersplural

1. someone from outside a group, line of work, or place, rather than one of its mem

1.名詞
釋義

someone from outside a group, line of work, or place, rather than one of its members

例句

As an outsider to the firm, Nina could not see the reports.

outsider to + group or organization

Local farmers were wary of outsiders buying land near the village.

同義詞
  • non-member

    More neutral and often used in rules, fees, or official notices.

  • stranger

    Usually means someone unknown to you, not simply outside a group.

  • newcomer

    Focuses on being new; a newcomer may soon stop being an outsider.

反義詞
  • member

    Someone who belongs to the group or organization.

  • insider

    Especially someone with accepted access or special knowledge.

用法筆記

Often followed by "to" when you name the group, field, or place: "an outsider to the industry". Distinguish from sense 2: this sense does not by itself suggest rejection.

常見錯誤

❌As an outsider of the company, Mei could not join the vote.
✅As an outsider to the company, Mei could not join the vote.
💡Use 'to' when you name the group, field, or place.

2. someone whom a group or society keeps at the edge, so they do not feel fully inc

2.名詞
釋義

someone whom a group or society keeps at the edge, so they do not feel fully included

例句

Even after two years, Hana still felt like an outsider there.

feel like an outsider

The rich parents treated Ben as an outsider at school events.

同義詞
  • outcast

    Stronger; suggests open rejection by the group.

  • misfit

    Emphasizes difficulty fitting in, often because of personality or habits.

  • loner

    Focuses on being alone, sometimes by choice, not always exclusion.

反義詞
  • insider

    Someone accepted by the group and included in it.

  • member

    A person fully belonging to the group.

用法筆記

Frequently used with "feel like", "be treated as", or "become". Distinguish from sense 1: this sense adds the idea of not being accepted, not just not belonging.

常見錯誤

❌Leo was new at school, so he was an outsider on the first day.
✅Leo was new at school, but he was not treated like an outsider.
💡'outsider' here suggests exclusion, not simply being new.

3. a competitor, often in sport or racing, whom few people think will win

3.名詞
釋義

a competitor, often in sport or racing, whom few people think will win

例句

No one backed the outsider, but Carla won the tennis final.

The small gray horse started the race as a clear outsider.

clear outsider in a race

同義詞
  • underdog

    More general and often used in a positive, sympathetic way.

  • long shot

    Emphasizes a very small chance of success.

  • dark horse

    Someone little known who may still surprise people by doing well.

反義詞
  • favorite

    The competitor most people expect to win.

用法筆記

Common in sports, racing, and election talk before the result is known. Distinguish from "dark horse", which suggests a hidden chance of surprising people.