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adj A1 Beginner Very common

other

UH-thuh

Other (adj) means Different from the one(s) already mentioned; additional or remaining. Example: “She has three other siblings besides her brother Tom.”

adj
1
Different from the one(s) already mentioned; additional or remaining.
"She has three other siblings besides her brother Tom."
"We tried every other option before deciding to sell the house."
det
1
Used to refer to something or someone not already identified or mentioned.
"Some people like tea; other people prefer coffee."
verb
1
To treat someone as fundamentally different or alien, excluding them from one's own group.
"The article criticized the media for othering immigrant communities in its coverage."

How to use other

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe everyday word for "not this one, but a different or additional one" — also used as a verb meaning to label someone as an outsider.

Common mistake

As a verb ("to other someone"), it's a modern academic/social usage — don't confuse it with the ordinary adjective use.

Common pairings
other people each other the other one othering

Word forms

othered past tense, others plural, Others plural, Others plural, others singular

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Test yourself on “other” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She has three _____ siblings besides her brother Tom.

Etymology

From Old English ōþer ("other, second"), tracing back through Proto-Germanic to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning simply "other" — the same ancient root that gives German ander and Swedish annan.

Origin: Old English

Related words

Rhymes for other

See all rhymes for other →

Frequently asked questions

What does “other” mean?

The word “other” means different from the one(s) already mentioned; additional or remaining. In plain terms, the everyday word for "not this one, but a different or additional one" — also used as a verb meaning to label someone as an outsider.

How do you pronounce “other”?

“Other” is pronounced UH-thuh (/ˈʌðɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “other” in a sentence?

Here is “other” used in a sentence: “She has three other siblings besides her brother Tom.”

What is the opposite of “other”?

The opposite of “other” — its antonyms — is same.

What part of speech is “other”?

Depending on how it is used, “other” can be an adjective, a det and a verb.

Where does the word “other” come from?

The word “other” comes from Old English. From Old English ōþer ("other, second"), tracing back through Proto-Germanic to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning simply "other" — the same ancient root that gives German ander and Swedish annan.

Is “other” a common word?

“Other” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

How many meanings does “other” have?

“Other” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: different from the one(s) already mentioned; additional or remaining.

What is the difference between 'other' and 'another'?

'Another' means one more or a different single thing — it is literally 'an + other,' so it pairs with singular countable nouns: 'another cup.' 'Other' is used with plurals or after 'the': 'other cups,' 'the other cup.' Use 'another' for an additional one, 'other' for the rest.

What is the difference between 'other' and 'others'?

'Other' is an adjective placed before a noun: 'other people prefer tea.' 'Others' is a pronoun that stands alone, replacing 'other' plus a noun: 'some like coffee, others prefer tea.' If a noun follows, use 'other'; if nothing follows, use 'others.'

What is an example of 'other' as an adjective?

In 'try the other door,' 'other' points to the remaining or alternative door — not the one just mentioned. Other examples include 'other people,' 'the other half,' and 'some other time.' It always marks something different from, or additional to, what has already been referred to.

What is the opposite of 'other'?

Depending on the sentence, the opposite is 'same' or 'this.' If 'other' means a different one, 'same' contrasts with it — 'the same book' versus 'the other book.' If it means the remaining one, 'this one' contrasts with 'the other one.' Context decides which fits.

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