Definition of other

Short definition: The word other means different from the one already mentioned or known, or an additional person or thing, and it is used constantly in everyday English to compare, separate, or add choices in a natural way.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word other? The word other is extremely common in English and appears in daily conversations, writing, and formal speech. It is often used to talk about something different, additional, or not the same as what has already been mentioned. Sometimes it sounds neutral, sometimes it creates distance, and sometimes it even carries an emotional or social meaning. Because it is so flexible, other can act as an adjective, a pronoun, or a noun depending on how it is used. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, so it feels clear, human, and easy to apply in real contexts.

Forms: other, others, the other, another
Related: different adj., else adv., another adj.
Syllable: oth-er

1. (Adjective) Used to describe something that is different from or not the same as the one already mentioned.

   As an adjective, other is used to point to something that is different from the first thing being talked about, helping people separate one idea, object, or person from another.

   She chose the blue jacket because the other one felt too heavy for the warm weather.
   This phone works well, but the other model has a better camera.
   He listened carefully to other opinions before making his final decision.

   Synonyms: different, alternative, another, remaining, second, separate, distinct, else, additional, remaining one, separate one, different one
   Antonyms: same, identical, similar, this, original, exact, matching, unchanged, equal, alike, corresponding, duplicate

2. (Pronoun) Used to refer to people or things that are different from the ones already mentioned.

   As a pronoun, other or others replaces a noun and refers to different people or things, often used to avoid repeating the same word again and again.

   Some people agreed with the plan, but others felt it needed more discussion.
   One book was damaged, so she asked for another.
   If this option does not work, we can try the other.

   Synonyms: the rest, remaining ones, alternatives, different ones, remaining people, second option, extra ones, those left, alternatives, others present, separate ones, remaining group
   Antonyms: same one, original one, this one, identical choice, first option, only one, single item, sole option, one thing, exact one, matching one, original

3. (Noun) A person or group seen as different or separate.

   In social or philosophical contexts, the other refers to people or groups who are seen as different, outside, or not part of the main group, often highlighting distance or lack of understanding.

   The story explores how fear can grow when people treat strangers as the other.
   Learning about different cultures helps reduce the idea of the other.
   The novel focuses on identity and the tension between self and the other.

   Synonyms: outsider, stranger, foreign group, different group, unknown people, external group, unfamiliar side, opposite side, separate group, unknown others, distant group, unfamiliar people
   Antonyms: insider, self, familiar group, community, in group, own people, belonging group, close circle, same side, inner group, family, allies

4. (Adjective) Used to talk about something additional or extra beyond what is already included.

   Other can also mean additional or extra, often used when adding more options, time, or items to what already exists.

   Do you have any other questions before we finish the meeting.
   He stayed for other two days to finish the work properly.
   She asked if there was any other way to solve the problem.

   Synonyms: additional, extra, more, further, added, remaining, spare, supplementary, further ones, extra ones, added items, remaining items
   Antonyms: final, last, only, no more, complete, finished, done, sole, single, total, entire, whole

5. (Slang) A casual way to dismiss something as not your concern or choice.

   In casual speech, people sometimes use other or phrases like “that’s on you, not me, that’s other” to distance themselves from responsibility or involvement, especially in online or informal conversations.

   He shrugged and said that drama was other, meaning he did not want to get involved.
   She muted the chat and called the whole argument other energy.
   Online comments described the issue as other people’s problem, not theirs.

   Synonyms: not my problem, unrelated, distant issue, not involved, outside concern, separate matter, someone else’s issue, detached matter, external problem, not my business, off my plate, removed issue
   Antonyms: my responsibility, personal matter, my concern, involved issue, shared problem, close issue, direct concern, personal stake, my business, relevant matter, own problem, direct issue