What is stranger? Pronunciation and usage in English

stranger means . Learn how to pronounce and use stranger through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of stranger

strangernoun

/ˈstreɪn(d)ʒə/
Definition & pronunciation of stranger

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "stranger" in English. It's a common word that can trip people up! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: "Stranger" is typically said in two syllables: strang-er

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • "Strang": This part is the trickiest.

    • The "str" sound is like the "str" in "street" – a single, sharp sound.
    • The "ang" is a diphthong (a gliding vowel sound). It sounds like "ahng" – like the "ang" in "sang," but a bit fuller. Think of it almost like saying "aang," with your mouth forming a wider, more open shape. It’s that “ah” sound combined with the "ng" sound.

  • "er": This is a short, simple "er" sound, like in "her" or "per."

3. Putting it together:

Say it slowly at first: "strang-er"

Then, gradually speed up, aiming for something like: "strang-er" (with that "ahng" in the "strang" part).

4. Tips & Resources:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce stranger" on Google and you’ll find audio clips.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/%C3%A9stranger/ (This website has pronunciations by native speakers.)
    • YouTube: Search for "pronounce stranger" on YouTube – many videos demonstrate the pronunciation.

Important Note: The “e” at the end of "stranger" is a schwa sound (ə), which is a very short, unstressed vowel sound, like the "a" in "about." It’s almost silent and doesn’t significantly affect the pronunciation.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Pronunciation can vary slightly by region.)

Usage and examples with the word stranger in English

Let's break down how to use the word "stranger" in English. It has several different meanings and uses! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. A Person You Don’t Know:

  • Basic Definition: This is the most common meaning. A "stranger" is someone you haven’t met before, or someone you don't recognize.
    • Example: "I saw a stranger on the bus today. He was reading a very interesting book."
    • Example: "I felt uncomfortable around the stranger at the party."

2. As a Noun - Describing Someone:

  • Unfamiliar: “He looked like a stranger to me.” (meaning you’ve never seen him before)
  • Suspicious/Unfamiliar (often negative): "The stranger in the alley looked shady." (suggesting something untrustworthy)
  • Foreign/Alien: "He spoke a strange language, making him feel like a stranger in his own country." (This uses "strange" here, a related word, to convey unfamiliarity).

3. As an Adjective - Describing Something Unfamiliar:

  • Strange/Unusual: "The stranger customs of that village were fascinating." (Here, "stranger" describes something that’s different from what you’re used to.)
  • Foreign/Alien: “A stranger scent filled the air.” (Referring to an unfamiliar smell.)
  • Unfamiliar (generally): “This equipment feels strange to me.”

4. Figurative Uses (More Advanced):

  • Feeling Isolated/Out of Place: “After moving to a new city, I felt like a stranger.” (meaning you felt disconnected and unfamiliar with your surroundings)
  • Someone Who Seems Unfamiliar with Your World: “He seemed like a stranger to the political landscape.” (meaning he didn't understand the complexities of a situation).

Here's a table summarizing the different ways to use "stranger":

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun Unknown person “I met a stranger at the coffee shop.”
Noun Suspicious person “The stranger followed me home.”
Noun Foreign/Unusual thing “She found the stranger music intriguing.”
Adjective Strange/Unusual “The stranger lights were blinking.”
Adjective Foreign/Unfamiliar “A stranger language was spoken.”
Figurative Feeling isolated “I felt like a stranger in my own home.”

Tips for Using "Stranger" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "stranger" depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Consider synonyms: Depending on the nuance you want to convey, consider using synonyms like "unknown," "unfamiliar," "foreigner," or “suspicious person."
  • Pay attention to tone: The word can have a slightly negative connotation, especially when describing a person.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "stranger"? (e.g., Are you writing a story, having a conversation, etc.?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're trying to write or a situation where you want to use the word?

Synonyms for the word stranger

Idioms of the word stranger

be no/a stranger to something
(formal)to be familiar/not familiar with something because you have/have not experienced it many times before
  • He is no stranger to controversy.

Practice with vocabulary stranger

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. It's generally advised not to share too much personal information with a complete _______ online.
  2. The _______ to the team quickly adapted to the company's dynamic work environment.
  3. When she first moved to the city for her new job, everyone felt like a _______ to her, making her initial days quite challenging.
  4. While not a close friend, he's a pleasant _______ I often see at industry networking events.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Upon arriving at the remote village, the lone traveler felt like a complete _______, attracting curious stares from the locals. a) resident b) stranger c) native d) acquaintance

  2. Which of the following terms could describe a person you have never met before, and whose identity is unknown to you? a) stranger b) unknown individual c) familiar face d) acquaintance e) newcomer

  3. The security protocol mandates that no _______ should be allowed access to restricted areas without proper identification and escort. a) employee b) colleague c) stranger d) manager

  4. During the international academic conference, many distinguished _______ explored the city's historical landmarks after their sessions. a) opponents b) guests c) hosts d) residents

  5. Her unique accent and unfamiliar customs immediately marked her as a _______ in the small, traditional community, though she was warmly welcomed. a) local b) native c) foreigner d) compatriot

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is crucial to exercise caution when interacting with people you do not know. (Rewrite using a noun form of "stranger".)
  2. The person who arrived unexpectedly at the meeting introduced himself as a representative from a partner company. (Rewrite using a replacement word for "stranger", emphasizing the lack of prior familiarity.)
  3. The feeling of not belonging and unfamiliarity was very strong for him in the new professional environment. (Rewrite using a noun form related to "stranger" to describe the feeling.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. It's generally advised not to share too much personal information with a complete stranger online.
  2. The newcomer to the team quickly adapted to the company's dynamic work environment.
  3. When she first moved to the city for her new job, everyone felt like a stranger to her, making her initial days quite challenging.
  4. While not a close friend, he's a pleasant acquaintance I often see at industry networking events.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) stranger
  2. a) stranger, b) unknown individual
  3. c) stranger
  4. b) guests
  5. c) foreigner

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is crucial to exercise caution when interacting with strangers.
  2. The unfamiliar individual who arrived unexpectedly at the meeting introduced himself as a representative from a partner company.
  3. He felt a profound sense of strangeness in the new professional environment.

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