Definition of Foreign
Quick Meaning of Foreign
From or belonging to a different country; not from your own place.
Detailed Definition of Foreign
Relating to or coming from another country.
How to Pronounce Foreign
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: The 'ei' sounds like short 'e', not long 'a'. Primary stress on first syllable: FOR-eign.
Watch out: Often mispronounced as 'FOR-in'; correct stress is first syllable 'FOR-eign' with second syllable unstressed.
Origin and Etymology of Foreign
From Old French 'forain' meaning outside or external.
How to Use Foreign in a Sentence
Each example shows “foreign” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“She studied foreign languages in university.”
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“Many foreign tourists visit the Eiffel Tower.”
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“The government discussed foreign policy with international partners.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Foreign
Common Synonyms for Foreign
Smart Synonyms for Foreign — When to Use Each
- international
- when referring to relations between nations officially
- overseas
- when emphasizing distance from home country
- alien
- when emphasizing strangeness or unfamiliarity in formal contexts
Antonyms of Foreign
Common Collocations with Foreign
These phrases pair with “foreign” in everyday English:
- foreign country
- foreign language
- foreign trade
- foreign affairs
- foreign investment
Common Mistakes When Using Foreign
Even fluent speakers slip up with “foreign”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: He traveled to foreign.
- ✓ Correct: He traveled to a foreign country.
- Why: Adjectives cannot stand alone as objects; need noun to modify.
- ✗ Wrong: This is foreign for me.
- ✓ Correct: This is foreign to me.
- Why: Use 'foreign to' not 'foreign for' when describing unfamiliarity.
Other Forms of Foreign
Frequently Asked Questions About Foreign
What is the meaning of "Foreign"?
From or belonging to a different country; not from your own place.
How do you pronounce "Foreign"?
The IPA is /ˈfɒrən/. The 'ei' sounds like short 'e', not long 'a'. Primary stress on first syllable: FOR-eign.
What part of speech is "Foreign"?
"Foreign" is an adjective at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Foreign"?
Common synonyms include international, overseas, external.
How do you use "Foreign" in a sentence?
For example: "She studied foreign languages in university."