Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Unfamiliar or previously unknown: Refers to something not previously seen, known, or experienced.
   • Unusual or surprising in a way that is unsettling or hard to understand: Describes something that is odd, peculiar, or out of the ordinary.
   • From another place; foreign: Indicates something originating from or characteristic of a different country or region.

Usage and Examples

• Describing something unfamiliar:
  • She heard a strange noise coming from the attic.
  • The city felt strange to him on his first visit.
• Describing something odd or peculiar:
  • He has a strange habit of talking to his plants.
  • It was a strange coincidence to meet her there.
• Describing something foreign:
  • He spoke with a strange accent. (Note: While 'foreign' is a more common synonym here, 'strange' can be used, though it may carry an unintended connotation of oddness.)

Advanced Usage

• "Strange to say": Used to introduce a surprising or unexpected statement.
  • Strange to say, the old house looked exactly as I remembered it.
• "Feel strange": To feel unwell, disoriented, or out of place.
  • After the long flight, I felt a bit strange.
• "In a strange land": In an unfamiliar country or place.
  • The immigrants worked hard to build a life in a strange land.

Variants and Related Words

• Strangely (adverb): In a strange or unusual manner.
  • The cat was behaving strangely.
• Strangeness (noun): The quality or state of being strange.
  • I couldn't shake the feeling of strangeness about the whole situation.
• Stranger (noun): A person whom one does not know or with whom one is not familiar.
  • Don't talk to strangers.

Synonyms

• Unfamiliar: Not known or recognized.
• Peculiar: Strange or odd; unusual.
• Bizarre: Very strange or unusual, especially so as to cause interest or amusement.
• Foreign: Of, from, in, or characteristic of a country or language other than one's own.

Antonyms

• Familiar: Well known from long or close association.
• Ordinary: With no special or distinctive features; normal.
• Normal: Conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected.

Idioms and Phrases

• Make strange (chiefly UK): (Of a baby or child) to be shy or behave awkwardly with someone unfamiliar.
  • The baby made strange with the new babysitter at first.
• Strange bedfellows: A surprising alliance or combination of people or groups.
  • The political agreement made strange bedfellows of the two rival parties.

Adjective

1. relating to or originating in or characteristic of another place or part of the world
   • foreign nations
   • a foreign accent
   • on business in a foreign city
2. not known before
   • used many strange words
   • saw many strange faces in the crowd
   • don't let anyone unknown into the house
3. being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
   • a strange exaltation that was indefinable
   • a strange fantastical mind
   • what a strange sense of humor she has