First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
foreign
adjective for·eign \ˈfȯr-ən, ˈfär-\
: located outside a particular place or country and especially outside your own country
: coming from or belonging to a different place or country
: relating to or dealing with other nations
Full Definition of FOREIGN
1
: situated outside a place or country; especially : situated outside one's own country
2
: born in, belonging to, or characteristic of some place or country other than the one under consideration
3
: of, relating to, or proceeding from some other person or material thing than the one under consideration
4
: alien in character : not connected or pertinent
5
: related to or dealing with other nations
6
a : occurring in an abnormal situation in the living body and often introduced from outside <a foreign body lodged in the esophagus> b : not recognized by the immune system as part of the self <foreign proteins>
7
: not being within the jurisdiction of a political unit (as a state)
— for·eign·ness \-ən-nəs\ noun
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Origin of FOREIGN
Middle English forein, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin foranus on the outside, from Latin foris outside — more at forum
Synonym Discussion of FOREIGN
extrinsic, extraneous, foreign, alien mean external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character. extrinsic applies to what is distinctly outside the thing in question or is not contained in or derived from its essential nature <sentimental value that is extrinsic to the house's market value>. extraneous applies to what is on or comes from the outside and may or may not be capable of becoming an essential part <arguments extraneous to the issue>. foreign applies to what is so different as to be rejected or repelled or to be incapable of becoming assimilated <techniques foreign to French cuisine>. alien is stronger than foreign in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability <a practice totally alien to her nature>.
Rhymes with FOREIGN
FOREIGN Defined for Kids
foreign
adjective for·eign \ˈfȯr-ən\
Definition of FOREIGN for Kids
1
: located outside of a place or country and especially outside of a person's own country <a foreign nation>
2
: belonging to a place or country other than the one under consideration <Do you speak a foreign language?>
3
: relating to or having to do with other nations <foreign trade>
4
: not normally belonging or wanted where found <foreign material in food>
Medical Dictionary
foreign
adjective for·eign \ˈfȯr-ən, ˈfär-\
Medical Definition of FOREIGN
1
: occurring in an abnormal situation in the living body and often introduced from outside <a foreign body lodged in the esophagus>
2
: not recognized by the immune system as part of the self <foreign proteins>
Learn More About FOREIGN
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