foreign
FO-rihn
Foreign (adj) means belonging to or coming from a country other than one's own. Example: “She speaks three foreign languages.”
adj
1
Belonging to or coming from a country other than one's own.
"She speaks three foreign languages."
"The company imports foreign cars."
"Tourists often need foreign currency when they travel abroad for a holiday."
2
Not typical of or belonging naturally to a person, system, or place; unfamiliar.
"Kindness felt foreign to him after years of hardship."
"The idea of retiring early was completely foreign to my grandfather."
"After years in the city, the silence of the countryside felt strangely foreign."
How to use foreign
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFrom another country, or generally unfamiliar and out of place.
Common pairings
foreign language
foreign policy
foreign country
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more foreign
- Superlative
- most foreign
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She speaks three _____ languages.
Etymology
From Old French forain, ultimately from Latin foris, meaning "outside." The silent "g" was added later, likely by analogy with the word reign.
Synonyms
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external
alien
outside
non-native
overseas
international
extraneous
acquired
additional
adventitious
ascititious
intrusive
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for foreign
See all rhymes for foreign →Frequently asked questions
What does “foreign” mean?
The word “foreign” means belonging to or coming from a country other than one's own. In plain terms, from another country, or generally unfamiliar and out of place.
How do you pronounce “foreign”?
“Foreign” is pronounced FO-rihn (/ˈfɔɹɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “foreign” in a sentence?
Here is “foreign” used in a sentence: “She speaks three foreign languages.”
What is another word for “foreign”?
Words with a similar meaning to “foreign” include overseas, international, extraneous, acquired, additional and adventitious.
What is the opposite of “foreign”?
The opposite of “foreign” — its antonyms — are domestic, native, indigenous, innate and natural.
What part of speech is “foreign”?
“Foreign” is an adjective.
Where does the word “foreign” come from?
The word “foreign” comes from Latin. From Old French forain, ultimately from Latin foris, meaning "outside." The silent "g" was added later, likely by analogy with the word reign.
Is “foreign” a common word?
“Foreign” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between foreign and domestic?
Foreign describes something belonging to or coming from another country, while domestic describes something from one's own country. Foreign goods are imported from abroad; domestic goods are made at home. The pair is used constantly in trade, politics, and travel to mark the line between abroad and home.
Is foreign a negative word?
Foreign is usually neutral, simply meaning from another country, as in foreign languages or foreign travel. It can carry a slightly negative shade when it means unfamiliar or out of place, as in "the idea was completely foreign to her." Context decides the tone.
What is an example of foreign used in a sentence?
You might say, "She speaks three foreign languages," or "The country depends on foreign investment." In both, foreign marks something as coming from outside one's own nation, whether a language learned from abroad or money flowing in from other countries.
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