strange Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

OE. estrange, F. étrange, fr. L. extraneus that is without, external, foreign, fr. extra on the outside. See Extra, and cf. Estrange, Extraneous.

comparative Stranger ; superlative Strangest

Belonging to another country; foreign. "To seek strange strands." Chaucer.
One of the strange queen's lords. Shak.

I do not contemn the knowledge of strange and divers tongues. Ascham.
Of or pertaining to others; not one's own; not pertaining to one's self; not domestic.
So she, impatient her own faults to see, Turns from herself, and in strange things delights. Sir J. Davies.
Not before known, heard, or seen; new.
Here is the hand and seal of the duke; you know the character, I doubt not; and the signet is not strange to you. Shak.
Not according to the common way; novel; odd; unusual; irregular; extraordinary; unnatural; queer. "He is sick of a strange fever." Shak.
Sated at length, erelong I might perceive Strange alteration in me. Milton.
Reserved; distant in deportment. Shak.
She may be strange and shy at first, but will soon learn to love thee. Hawthorne.
Backward; slow. Obs.
Who, loving the effect, would not be strange In favoring the cause. Beau. & Fl.
Not familiar; unaccustomed; inexperienced.
In thy fortunes am unlearned and strange. Shak.
✍ Strange is often used as an exclamation.
Strange! what extremes should thus preserve the snow High on the Alps, or in deep caves below. Waller.
Syn. -- Foreign; new; outlandish; wonderful; astonishing; marvelous; unusual; odd; uncommon; irregular; queer; eccentric.