foreign

foreign

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling of "foreign" is /ˈfɒrɪn/.

Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:

• For-: /ˈfɒr/

• /f/ - voiceless labiodental fricative

• /ɒ/ - open-mid back rounded vowel (as in "lot")

• /r/ - alveolar approximant

• -eign: /ɪn/

• /ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel (as in "kit")

• /n/ - alveolar nasal

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Word Form Variations

The term "foreign" primarily functions as an adjective. It does not have singular/plural forms in the way nouns do.

However, related word forms include:

• Noun:

• foreigner (singular)

• foreigners (plural)

• foreignness (uncountable noun referring to the quality of being foreign)

• Adverb:

• foreignly (less common, but grammatically possible)

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Adjective

• Definition 1: Belonging to, or characteristic of, a country or language other than one's own.

• Synonyms: alien, overseas, international, external, non-native

• Antonyms: domestic, native, indigenous, local, national

• Definition 2: Unfamiliar or strange; not previously known or encountered.

• Synonyms: unfamiliar, strange, alien, peculiar, unacquainted

• Antonyms: familiar, known, common, customary, usual

• Definition 3: Not naturally belonging or inherent; introduced from an outside source.

• Synonyms: external, extraneous, imported, acquired, alien

• Antonyms: intrinsic, inherent, natural, innate, native

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Examples of Use

Books:

• "His understanding of foreign policy was vast, having traveled to numerous countries and met with countless world leaders." (From a biography of a diplomat, author's name and title would be cited here if it were a specific book, e.g., Smith, Global Diplomat)

• "The aroma was distinctly foreign, a mix of spices she couldn't quite place, hinting at a distant land." (From a fictional novel, e.g., Jones, The Spice Merchant's Daughter)

Newspapers:

• "The government announced new measures to attract foreign investment, aiming to boost the national economy." (Associated Press, Financial Times, 2025)

• "Analysts are closely watching the impact of the latest foreign exchange rates on export markets." (The Wall Street Journal, 2025)

Online Publications:

• "How to navigate the complexities of foreign language acquisition: tips for adult learners." (Duolingo Blog, 2025)

• "The rise of foreign direct investment in renewable energy projects across Africa." (Forbes.com, 2025)

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film: (Dialogue) "We need to understand their foreign customs if we are to negotiate successfully." (Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, 2023)

• Television Series: (News Reporter) "Reports indicate that a foreign power may be involved in the cyberattack." (The Diplomat, Netflix, 2023)

• Music (Song Title/Lyrics): "She's got a foreign accent, a walk that's so new / Every step she takes, I fall deeper for you." (Imaginary song lyrics)

• Video Games: (In-game lore description) "The ancient artifacts were discovered in foreign lands, far beyond the known borders." (Elden Ring, FromSoftware, 2022)

• Podcasts: (Host discussing global politics) "The discussion today will focus on the implications of recent foreign aid cuts on developing nations." (The Daily, The New York Times, 2025 episode)

General Public Discourse:

• "My cousin is studying abroad, so she's constantly experiencing foreign cultures." (Casual conversation)

• "I tried a new dish last night – it was definitely a foreign flavor, but in a good way!" (Social media post)

• "The recent influx of foreign tourists has been great for local businesses." (Community meeting discussion)

• "He felt like a foreign object in the room, everyone else seemed to know each other so well." (Describing a feeling of discomfort or unfamiliarity)

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10 Famous Quotes Using Foreign

1. "All serious daring starts from within." (Eudora Welty, a metaphorical quote, implying that true bravery doesn't come from external or "foreign" sources of courage but from within oneself)

2. "The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said." (Peter Drucker, a metaphorical quote suggesting that often the most crucial information is not explicitly stated but must be inferred, as if from a "foreign" language of silence)

3. "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee." (John Donne, a deeply synonymous quote, emphasizing human interconnectedness and that no one is truly "foreign" or separate from the rest of humanity)

4. "The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting." (Sun Tzu, The Art of War, a metaphorical quote, implying that the most effective victory avoids direct, "foreign" conflict)

5. "I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." (Albert Einstein, a quote about intellectual curiosity, which often involves exploring what is "foreign" or unknown)

6. "We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." (Plato, a metaphorical quote contrasting natural fear with a "foreign" or unnatural fear of knowledge and truth)

7. "Where there is no vision, the people perish." (Proverbs 29:18, a quote about the importance of foresight, implying that without it, society can descend into a state akin to a "foreign" land of chaos)

8. "Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does." (Jean-Paul Sartre, a quote about existential freedom, implying that responsibility is not a "foreign" concept but an inherent part of human existence)

9. "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." (Socrates, a quote about humility in knowledge, suggesting that approaching subjects as if they are "foreign" and unknown is the path to wisdom)

10. "An eye for an eye will only end up making the whole world blind." (Mahatma Gandhi, a quote about the futility of retaliation, implying that vengeful actions lead to a "foreign" and destructive state for all)

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Etymology

The word "foreign" has a fascinating journey through different languages!

It essentially comes from the idea of being "outside." The very root of the word can be traced back to the Latin word forās (or forīs), which literally meant "outside" or "out of doors." This Latin word itself is connected to the Proto-Indo-European root *dhwer-, which means "door" or "doorway" – so you can imagine the idea of being "outside the door" or "beyond the threshold."

From Latin, it moved into Vulgar Latin as *forānus (meaning "outsider" or "outlander"), and then into Old French as forain (meaning "strange, foreign; outer, external").

The English word "foreign" then borrowed from this Old French term. Its first known use in English was during the Middle English period, before 1325. At that time, it was used to describe places as being "outside the boundaries of a country," and for people, it meant "born in another country."

Interestingly, the "g" in "foreign" wasn't originally there. It seems to have been added later, around the 17th century, perhaps because of similar-sounding words like "reign" or "sovereign," which have a "g" in them. Before that, you might have seen spellings like "foreyn" or "forain."

So, in a nutshell, "foreign" has always carried the core meaning of being from "outside" – whether that's outside your home, outside your town, or outside your country.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Foreign

Phrases/Idioms with "Foreign":

1. Foreign affairs: The policy of a government in its dealings with other countries.

2. Foreign exchange: The system of converting the currency of one country into that of another.

3. Foreign legion: A military unit composed of foreign volunteers. (Most famously, the French Foreign Legion.)

4. Foreign body: An object that has entered the body from the outside, by accident or design.

5. Foreign language: A language that is not the native language of the speaker or of the country in question.

6. Foreign policy: A government's strategy in dealing with other nations.

7. Foreign correspondent: A journalist who reports from a foreign country.

8. Foreign soil: Refers to the territory of another country.

9. Foreign investment: Investment made by a company or individual in a foreign country.

10. A foreign concept: An idea or notion that is entirely unfamiliar or alien to someone.

Lesser-Known/Original Phrases & Synonymous Idioms for Similar Effect:

1. Beyond the pale: (Synonymous idiom for something utterly unacceptable or outside the usual boundaries, as if it were from an "alien" place)

2. Out of bounds: (Synonymous, implying something is beyond accepted limits, like a "foreign" or forbidden area)

3. Not in my wheelhouse: (Original, meaning an area or topic that is unfamiliar or "foreign" to one's expertise)

4. From another planet: (Synonymous, emphasizing extreme difference or strangeness, much like something "foreign")

5. A different kettle of fish: (Synonymous idiom, referring to a completely different matter or situation, akin to something "alien" or unrelated)

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of foreign from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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