| Date: | 1200-1300 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | estrange 'foreign', from Latin extraneus; EXTRANEOUS |
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strange1 S2 W2
comparative stranger, superlative strangest
comparative stranger, superlative strangest1 unusual or surprising, especially in a way that is difficult to explain or understand [= odd]:
strange noises
Does Geoff's behaviour seem strange to you? ➔ see usage note unusual
strange noises
Does Geoff's behaviour seem strange to you?2 someone or something that is strange is not familiar because you have not seen or met them before :
As a child she'd been taught never to speak to strange men.
I was just 20, a young girl in a strange city.
As a child she'd been taught never to speak to strange men.
I was just 20, a young girl in a strange city.3 to feel as if something is slightly wrong or unusual, either physically or emotionally :
Can you get me a glass of water? I feel a bit strange.
It felt strange to be back in Dublin.
feel strange
Can you get me a glass of water? I feel a bit strange.
It felt strange to be back in Dublin. —strangely adverb
—strangeness noun [uncountable]
WORD CHOICE: 
unusual, strange, odd, bizarre, extraordinary, exceptional, remarkableUnusual is neither approving nor disapproving • a suit made of unusual material • an unusual name • Her response was unusual.Strange and odd mean unusual in a way that you cannot understand. They are sometimes used to show slight disapproval or distrust • a very strange man • I found his attitude a bit odd.Bizarre means very unusual, especially in a way that you think is amusing or that is hard to believe • a bizarre haircut Extraordinary can be approving or disapproving, but suggests approval when it is used to describe a person • What an extraordinary idea! (can suggest you strongly disagree) • My mother was an extraordinary woman (=very impressive, talented etc).Exceptional and remarkable often mean unusually good or impressive • a writer of exceptional talent • a remarkable film ➔ See also unusual
