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.
While Monster luxuriated in Gein’s unraveling mind, showcasing his otherness with sequences of Gein dancing with spinning chainsaws and posing in his skin suit, Devil in Disguise is all the more effective for emphasizing Gacy’s ability to go unnoticed. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025 The film’s queerness extends beyond Palmer’s portrayal of out lesbian Emerald Haywood; in addition to being a commentary on the way the entertainment industry consumes us, Nope is also about otherness. Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025 Tower of Now acts as a visual lexicon of architectural motifs, inviting viewers to find both familiarity and otherness. Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 The role of the cynocephali tells us something about how medieval European thinkers conceptualized otherness and difference. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 28 Aug. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/otherness. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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