Meaning & Definition of word "Foreigner"
Foreigner
/ˈfɔːrɪnər/
noun:
- 1. A person from a foreign country.
- Example: The conference will attract many foreigner participants from various countries.
- 2. A person who is not a citizen of the country in which they are living or working.
- Example: As a foreigner in a new city, she often felt out of place.
- 3. Someone who is not familiar with the customs and culture of a particular place.
- Example: He was treated kindly despite being a foreigner in their traditional community.
Etymology
●The word 'foreigner' originates from Middle English, derived from the word 'forein', meaning 'external' or 'alien'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
foreigner's privilege:
The advantage given to foreigners in certain situations.
foreign affairs:
Matters relating to or concerning foreign countries.
foreign language:
A language not native to one's own country.
Related Words
immigrant:
A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.
expatriate:
A person who lives outside their native country.
citizen:
A legally recognized subject or national of a state.
Slang Meanings of foreigner
Meaning: Yank
● Example Sentence: He is just a Yank passing through Europe.
Meaning: Gweilo
● Example Sentence: In Hong Kong, some locals refer to Western foreigners as Gweilo.