Outlander

An outlander refers to a person who is from a foreign land, a stranger, or an outsider to a particular community or region. Often used in fantasy or historical fiction, it describes someone unfamiliar with local customs, history, and social structures. The term can also be used more broadly to indicate someone who is different or unconventional, standing apart from the prevailing norms of their surroundings. The degree of perceived difference can vary greatly depending on the context, ranging from cultural distinctions to physical appearances. Outlanders might face suspicion, curiosity, or outright hostility due to their unfamiliarity.

Outlander meaning with examples

• In the medieval kingdom, the visiting merchant from the Eastern Empire was considered an outlander. He spoke a different language, wore strange clothes, and practiced unusual customs, making him a subject of both fascination and unease. His wares, while exotic and intriguing, were also seen with a degree of distrust by the local populace. Some welcomed his presence, and others found him quite the outlander.
• The science fiction novel depicted an outlander arriving on a remote planet. The inhabitants, a peaceful species, cautiously observed the newcomer, unsure of their intentions. The outlander, equipped with advanced technology, attempted to communicate, but their methods and worldview were vastly different, creating an initial communication barrier. This alien, the sole outlander, could not understand the way of life on this new planet.
• Sarah, a city dweller, felt like an outlander when she moved to the rural countryside. The slower pace of life, the close-knit community, and the emphasis on traditional values were all foreign to her. She struggled to adapt to the local customs, leading to feelings of isolation. Slowly, she worked her way out of feeling like an outlander by joining clubs and groups.
• The historical account described the arrival of European explorers as outlanders to the indigenous people of the Americas. These visitors, with their strange ships, advanced weapons, and unfamiliar religion, drastically changed the social order of the area. The interactions between the outlanders and the native populations had a profound and lasting impact, leading to conflict and cultural exchange.