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B1 Adjective #18 le plus courant 15 min de lecture

strange

Top 18

At the A1 level, 'strange' is a simple word used to describe things that are 'not normal' or 'not familiar.' Imagine you see a dog with two different colored eyes; you might say, 'That is a strange dog.' It is a basic way to show that you are surprised by something. At this stage, you mostly use it with simple verbs like 'is' or 'looks.' For example, 'The food looks strange' or 'This is a strange place.' It helps you talk about things that are new to you. You might also hear it in stories about magic or monsters. It is one of the first words you learn to describe things that are different from what you see every day. You don't need to worry about complex meanings yet; just use it when something feels 'odd' or 'new' to you. It's a very helpful word for beginners because it covers many different situations where something is just not quite right.

For A2 learners, 'strange' becomes a tool for expressing more specific feelings of unfamiliarity. You can start using it to describe people's behavior or unexpected events. For instance, 'It is strange that he is late today.' You are beginning to understand that 'strange' isn't just about how things look, but also about how they happen. You might use it to describe a 'strange noise' in your house or a 'strange feeling' in your stomach. You are also learning that 'strange' can be modified by words like 'very' or 'a bit.' For example, 'The movie was a bit strange.' At this level, you should also be careful not to confuse 'strange' (the adjective) with 'stranger' (the person you don't know). You might say, 'I met a stranger on the bus, and he told me a strange story.' This shows you can use both words correctly in one sentence. It's a great word for adding a little more detail to your descriptions of the world around you.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'strange' with more confidence and in a wider variety of sentence structures. You can use it to describe abstract concepts, like a 'strange coincidence' or a 'strange atmosphere.' You understand that 'strange' often implies that something is difficult to understand or explain. For example, 'There was something strange about the way she looked at me.' You are also starting to use the comparative and superlative forms: 'stranger' and 'strangest.' You might say, 'This is the strangest book I've ever read.' You are becoming aware of synonyms like 'odd' or 'unusual' and can choose 'strange' when you want to emphasize the mystery or the lack of familiarity. You might also use it in common phrases like 'It's strange that...' to introduce a surprising fact. Your ability to use 'strange' helps you engage in more complex conversations about your experiences and observations.

By the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'strange' and its various connotations. You can use it to describe subtle shifts in tone or social dynamics. For instance, you might discuss a 'strange tension' in a meeting or a 'strange shift' in public opinion. You are also comfortable using the adverb 'strangely' to modify entire sentences: 'Strangely, no one seemed to notice the fire alarm.' You understand that 'strange' can sometimes be used as a polite way to describe someone's eccentricities. You are also familiar with more idiomatic uses, such as 'strange bedfellows' or the idea of a 'strange attractor' in a scientific context. You can distinguish between 'strange' and its more intense synonyms like 'bizarre' or 'peculiar,' choosing the word that best fits the specific context. Your use of 'strange' is now more precise, allowing you to convey exact levels of surprise, suspicion, or curiosity in your writing and speaking.

At the C1 level, you use 'strange' with a high degree of sophistication, often exploring its philosophical or psychological implications. You might use it to describe the 'uncanny'—that specific type of strangeness that arises from something being almost, but not quite, familiar. You can analyze 'strange' as a literary device used to create a sense of alienation or 'defamiliarization' in a text. Your vocabulary includes a wide range of synonyms, and you choose 'strange' deliberately for its specific resonance. You might use it in complex academic discussions, such as 'the strange persistence of certain cultural myths.' You are also adept at using 'strange' in ironic or sarcastic ways. Your understanding of the word's etymology and its historical development adds depth to your usage. You can use 'strange' to navigate complex social situations, using it to acknowledge anomalies without causing offense or to highlight profound mysteries in the human experience.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'strange' is complete. You can use it to express the most subtle and profound aspects of the unknown. You might use it to describe ontological strangeness—the fundamental mystery of existence itself. You are comfortable using the word in all its registers, from the most informal slang to the most formal academic prose. You can play with the word's multiple meanings and connotations to create complex layers of irony, metaphor, and symbolism. You might discuss the 'strange beauty' of a mathematical proof or the 'strange necessity' of a tragic event. Your use of 'strange' is integrated into a vast and nuanced vocabulary, allowing you to express the most delicate shades of meaning. You understand the word not just as a descriptor, but as a concept that touches on the very limits of human knowledge and perception. At this level, 'strange' is a tool for profound expression and insightful analysis.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

strange en 30 secondes

Strange describes anything unusual, unexpected, or unfamiliar that deviates from what is considered normal or standard in a given context.
It is primarily an adjective but can be used predicatively after verbs like 'seem' or 'feel' to express a subjective experience.
The word carries a range of connotations, from mild curiosity and surprise to profound mystery, unease, or even fear (eerie).
Common synonyms include 'odd,' 'weird,' and 'peculiar,' while its most direct antonyms are 'normal,' 'ordinary,' and 'familiar.'

The word strange is a fundamental adjective in the English language, serving as a primary descriptor for anything that falls outside the boundaries of the expected, the familiar, or the understood. At its core, 'strange' signifies a deviation from the norm. When we encounter something strange, our brains register a mismatch between our past experiences and the current reality. This can range from a mild curiosity to a profound sense of unease. People use 'strange' in a vast array of contexts: to describe a peculiar smell in the kitchen, an unexpected turn of events in a story, or the behavior of a person that doesn't align with social conventions. It is a versatile tool for expressing the feeling of 'otherness.' In psychological terms, the strange often triggers the 'orienting response,' where our attention is immediately captured by the novelty of the stimulus. Whether it is a strange sound in the middle of the night or a strange new city where the customs are unknown, the word encapsulates the essence of the unfamiliar.

The Unfamiliar: This refers to things we have not seen or experienced before. A strange face in a crowd is one you do not recognize.

I had a strange feeling that I was being watched, even though the room was empty.

Furthermore, 'strange' often carries a connotation of mystery. It isn't just that something is different; it's that the reason for the difference is not immediately apparent. If a car makes a strange noise, the owner is concerned because they don't know what is causing it. In literature and film, the 'strange' is a cornerstone of the Gothic and Surrealist genres, where the boundaries between the real and the imagined are blurred. We also use 'strange' to describe social interactions. A 'strange look' from a friend might suggest they are hiding something or feeling an emotion they aren't expressing. It is important to note that 'strange' is subjective. What is strange to a child might be perfectly normal to an adult, and what is strange in one culture might be a daily tradition in another. This subjectivity makes the word a powerful tool for exploring personal perspectives and cultural differences.

The Unexpected: Events that happen without warning or that contradict what we thought would happen are often described as strange.

It is strange that he didn't call me back, as he usually responds within minutes.

In scientific and mathematical contexts, 'strange' can even take on technical meanings, such as 'strange attractors' in chaos theory or 'strange quarks' in particle physics. These terms were chosen precisely because the phenomena they describe were so counterintuitive and unexpected to the researchers who discovered them. This highlights the word's ability to bridge the gap between everyday observation and complex theoretical concepts. In daily conversation, 'strange' is often used as a polite euphemism. Instead of saying someone is 'crazy' or 'weird' (which can be offensive), we might say they have 'strange habits.' This softens the judgment while still acknowledging the deviation from social norms. Ultimately, 'strange' is a word that invites inquiry. It signals that there is more to be discovered, understood, or explained about a particular subject.

The abandoned house at the end of the street had a strange aura that kept the neighborhood children away.

The Uncanny: A specific type of strangeness that feels eerie because it is almost familiar but slightly 'off' or wrong.

The robot's movements were so lifelike that it felt strange to look at it for too long.

There was a strange light glowing in the woods, unlike any lantern I had ever seen.

Using the word strange effectively requires an understanding of its syntactic flexibility and its nuanced meanings. Most commonly, 'strange' functions as an attributive adjective, appearing directly before the noun it modifies. For example, 'a strange coincidence' or 'strange people.' In this position, it provides an immediate quality to the subject. However, it is equally common as a predicative adjective, following a linking verb like 'be,' 'seem,' 'look,' or 'feel.' For instance, 'The situation felt strange' or 'It seems strange that the door is unlocked.' This usage often emphasizes the speaker's perception or subjective experience of the strangeness. When used with the introductory 'It is...' construction, 'strange' often introduces a clause that expresses surprise or irony: 'It is strange that we both arrived at the exact same time.'

Attributive Use: Placed before the noun: 'He has some very strange ideas about how the world works.'

The detective found a strange symbol carved into the old wooden desk.

The word can be modified by adverbs to indicate the degree of strangeness. 'Very strange,' 'quite strange,' 'rather strange,' and 'incredibly strange' are all common pairings. In more formal or literary contexts, you might see 'singularly strange' or 'peculiarly strange.' These modifiers help the listener or reader understand the intensity of the deviation from the norm. Furthermore, 'strange' can be used in comparative and superlative forms: 'stranger' and 'strangest.' The phrase 'truth is stranger than fiction' is a classic example of the comparative form, suggesting that real-life events can be more unbelievable than invented stories. The superlative 'strangest' is often used to highlight the most extreme example of something unusual: 'That was the strangest movie I have ever seen.'

Predicative Use: Following a verb: 'Everything about the empty house looked strange in the moonlight.'

Doesn't it seem strange that nobody is answering the phone at the office?

Another important aspect of using 'strange' is its relationship with prepositions. We often say something is 'strange to' someone, meaning they are unfamiliar with it. For example, 'The customs of the mountain tribe were strange to the explorers.' We can also use 'strange' in the phrase 'strange about,' as in 'There is something strange about the way she is acting today.' This construction points toward a specific quality or person that is causing the feeling of strangeness. In creative writing, 'strange' is often paired with sensory nouns to create atmosphere: 'a strange scent,' 'a strange glow,' 'a strange vibration.' By choosing the right noun and modifier, a writer can evoke a specific type of mystery or discomfort. It is also used in the idiomatic expression 'strange bedfellows,' which refers to an unlikely alliance between people who are usually opponents.

The taste of the exotic fruit was strange but surprisingly pleasant.

Comparative/Superlative: 'This is a stranger situation than the one we faced last year.'

Of all the places I've visited, that desert town was by far the strangest.

It felt strange to be back in my childhood home after twenty years abroad.

The word strange is ubiquitous in English-speaking environments, appearing in everything from casual street slang to high-level academic discourse. In daily life, you will hear it most frequently when people are expressing surprise or confusion. If someone sees a bird they don't recognize, they might say, 'Look at that strange bird.' In social settings, it's a common way to describe social awkwardness or unusual behavior without being overly harsh. For example, 'He's a bit strange, but he's very kind.' This usage highlights the word's role as a social buffer. In the world of news and media, 'strange' is a favorite for headlines that aim to pique curiosity. Phrases like 'Strange phenomena observed in the night sky' or 'A strange turn of events in the local election' are designed to draw readers in by promising something out of the ordinary.

Daily Conversation: Used to describe minor anomalies: 'There's a strange smell coming from the refrigerator.'

'That's strange,' she muttered, 'I'm sure I left my keys right here on the table.'

In entertainment, 'strange' is a thematic pillar. Think of the Marvel character 'Doctor Strange,' whose name immediately signals his connection to the mystical and the unconventional. Science fiction and horror movies rely heavily on the 'strange' to create tension. The TV show 'Stranger Things' uses the word in its title to evoke the 1980s sci-fi aesthetic where ordinary kids encounter extraordinary, inexplicable events. In music, 'strange' often appears in lyrics to describe feelings of alienation or the surreal nature of love and life. The Doors' famous song 'People Are Strange' perfectly captures the feeling of being an outsider in an urban environment. In these artistic contexts, 'strange' is not just a descriptor but a mood and a genre-defining concept.

Literature and Film: Used to set a mysterious tone: 'The protagonist entered a strange land where the sun never set.'

In the movie, the protagonist discovers a strange device that can alter time.

In academic and professional settings, 'strange' is used more precisely. In history, scholars might discuss 'strange alliances' formed during wartime. In psychology, the 'Strange Situation' is a famous standardized procedure used to observe attachment patterns in infants. In the legal world, 'strange' might describe 'strange circumstances' surrounding a crime, which can be a key factor in an investigation. Even in technology, programmers might encounter 'strange bugs' that don't follow the usual logic of the code. Across all these domains, the word serves as a marker for the exceptional. It tells the listener that the standard rules or expectations do not apply in this specific instance. Whether you are reading a scientific paper or chatting with a neighbor, 'strange' is the go-to word for acknowledging the anomalies of existence.

The scientist noted a strange reaction in the chemicals that defied previous theories.

Professional Contexts: Identifying anomalies: 'The accountant noticed some strange transactions in the company's ledger.'

It was a strange coincidence that both witnesses gave exactly the same testimony.

The weather has been very strange lately, with snow in the middle of summer.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with the word strange is confusing it with the noun stranger. While they share the same root, their grammatical functions and meanings are distinct. 'Strange' is an adjective used to describe things or people that are unusual ('He is a strange man'). 'Stranger' is a noun referring to a person whom one does not know ('I don't talk to strangers'). A common mistake is saying 'He is a strange to me' when the correct form is 'He is a stranger to me' or 'He is strange to me' (meaning his behavior is unusual). Understanding this distinction is crucial for clear communication. Another common pitfall is the overuse of 'strange' as a generic descriptor. While it is a versatile word, relying on it too heavily can make writing or speech feel repetitive and imprecise.

Strange vs. Stranger: Mistake: 'I saw a strange in the garden.' Correct: 'I saw a stranger in the garden.'

It is strange to see a stranger walking through our quiet neighborhood at night.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the nuance between 'strange,' 'weird,' and 'funny.' While they can be synonyms, they carry different weights. 'Strange' is relatively neutral and can be used in formal contexts. 'Weird' is more informal and often implies a stronger sense of discomfort or oddity. 'Funny' can mean 'strange' in phrases like 'That's funny, I thought I locked the door,' but it can be confusing because its primary meaning is 'humorous.' Using 'funny' when you mean 'strange' can lead to misunderstandings if the context isn't clear. Additionally, some learners use 'strange' when they actually mean 'foreign.' While a foreign custom might be strange to you, calling a person 'strange' simply because they are from another country can be perceived as xenophobic or rude. It is better to use 'unfamiliar' or 'different' in such cases.

Strange vs. Funny: 'It's funny (strange) how the weather changed so quickly.' vs 'That joke was very funny (humorous).'

Don't say 'He is a strange' when you mean 'He is an unusual person.'

Grammatically, a common error is using 'strange' as an adverb. For example, 'He was acting strange' is very common in informal spoken English, but in formal writing, you should use the adverb 'strangely': 'He was acting strangely.' Another mistake is the placement of 'strange' in a list of adjectives. As mentioned before, opinion adjectives usually come before 'strange.' Saying 'the strange beautiful house' is less natural than 'the beautiful strange house.' Finally, be careful with the phrase 'feel strange.' It can mean you feel physically unwell, or it can mean you feel mentally uneasy. If you tell a doctor 'I feel strange,' they will need more specific information to understand if you are dizzy, nauseous, or experiencing something else entirely. Being specific with your language helps avoid these common pitfalls.

The cat was behaving strangely, staring at the wall for hours.

Adjective vs. Adverb: Incorrect: 'The engine sounded strange.' (Informal) Correct: 'The engine sounded strangely.' (Formal)

It's strange how often people make the same mistakes with this word.

There is nothing strange about wanting to learn a language perfectly.

While strange is a highly useful word, English offers a rich palette of synonyms that can provide more specific shades of meaning. Choosing the right alternative can significantly enhance the clarity and impact of your communication. For instance, odd is a very close synonym but often implies something that is slightly out of place or doesn't fit a pattern, like an 'odd shoe' or an 'odd number.' Weird, as mentioned earlier, is more informal and often carries a sense of the supernatural or the unsettling. If something is strange in a way that is strikingly out of the ordinary or even shocking, bizarre is a much stronger choice. It suggests a high degree of eccentricity or surrealism, such as 'a bizarre costume' or 'a bizarre series of events.'

Strange vs. Odd: 'Strange' is general; 'odd' often suggests a mismatch or a lack of a pair: 'He has an odd sense of humor.'

The bizarre architecture of the building made it a local landmark.

Another useful alternative is peculiar. This word often implies a quality that is unique or specific to a particular person, place, or thing. For example, 'a peculiar smell' might be one that you only find in a certain old library. It can also be used to mean 'belonging exclusively to,' as in 'customs peculiar to this region.' Curious is another interesting synonym. While it primarily means 'eager to know,' when used as an adjective for an object or event, it means 'strange' in a way that invites investigation or interest. 'A curious discovery' is one that makes you want to learn more. For something that is strange because it is old-fashioned or charmingly unusual, quaint is a positive alternative. Conversely, outlandish describes something that is strange because it is extremely unconventional or foreign-looking.

Strange vs. Peculiar: 'Peculiar' often suggests a specific, unique kind of strangeness: 'She has a peculiar way of tilting her head.'

It was a curious coincidence that we both chose the same obscure book to read.

In more formal or academic writing, you might encounter anomalous, which means deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected. This is often used in scientific data analysis. Eccentric is the perfect word for describing people who have strange or unconventional habits but are often viewed with a degree of affection or tolerance. For example, 'an eccentric billionaire.' If something is strange because it is frightening or mysterious, eerie is the most evocative choice. It perfectly describes the feeling of a 'strange' silence in a dark forest. By expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives, you can express the exact nature of the 'strangeness' you are encountering, making your descriptions much more vivid and precise for your audience.

The eerie glow of the swamp gas frightened the travelers.

Strange vs. Eccentric: 'Eccentric' is almost always used for people and their behaviors: 'The eccentric inventor lived in a house full of clocks.'

The data showed an anomalous result that the researchers could not explain.

The village was full of quaint little shops and strange old traditions.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The Latin root 'extra' is the same one found in 'extraordinary' and 'extraterrestrial.' So, 'strange' literally means something that is 'outside' our normal experience.

Guide de prononciation

UK /streɪndʒ/

US /streɪndʒ/

The word has only one syllable, so the stress is on that single syllable.

Rime avec

Change Range Arrange Exchange Orange (partial) Derange Grange Mange

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'g' as a hard 'g' (like in 'game') instead of a soft 'j' sound.
Adding an extra vowel sound at the beginning (e.g., 'estrange').
Shortening the long 'a' sound to a short 'a' (like in 'cat').
Not fully pronouncing the 't' in the 'str' cluster.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'strong'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The word is very common in all types of texts and easy to recognize.

Écriture 3/5

Requires care to distinguish from 'stranger' and to use the adverb 'strangely' correctly.

Expression orale 2/5

Easy to pronounce and very useful for daily descriptions.

Écoute 2/5

Clearly audible and usually emphasized in speech due to its meaning.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

New Different Know Normal Person

Apprends ensuite

Odd Weird Peculiar Bizarre Unusual

Avancé

Uncanny Anomalous Eccentric Outlandish Surreal

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Order

A beautiful (opinion) strange (novelty) old (age) house.

Linking Verbs

The milk smells (linking verb) strange (adjective).

Noun Clauses

It is strange (adjective) that he left (noun clause).

Adverb Formation

He looked at me strangely (adverb).

Comparative Adjectives

This situation is stranger (comparative) than the last one.

Exemples par niveau

The cat has strange green eyes.

Le chat a d'étranges yeux verts.

Adjective 'strange' before the noun 'eyes'.

This is a strange house.

C'est une maison étrange.

Simple 'This is a...' structure.

I hear a strange noise.

J'entends un bruit étrange.

Adjective 'strange' modifying the noun 'noise'.

The fruit has a strange taste.

Le fruit a un goût étrange.

Adjective 'strange' modifying 'taste'.

He is wearing a strange hat.

Il porte un chapeau étrange.

Present continuous tense with 'strange'.

It is a strange day today.

C'est une journée étrange aujourd'hui.

Adjective describing the whole day.

Look at that strange bird!

Regarde cet oiseau étrange !

Imperative sentence with 'strange'.

The water is a strange color.

L'eau est d'une couleur étrange.

Predicative use after 'is'.

It is strange that the shop is closed.

Il est étrange que le magasin soit fermé.

'It is strange that...' introducing a clause.

I had a strange dream last night.

J'ai fait un rêve étrange la nuit dernière.

Past simple tense with 'strange dream'.

She felt a strange pain in her arm.

Elle a ressenti une douleur étrange dans son bras.

Adjective modifying a physical sensation.

The dog is acting very strange today.

Le chien se comporte de manière très étrange aujourd'hui.

Informal use of 'strange' as an adverb (acting strange).

I saw a strange man in the park.

J'ai vu un homme étrange dans le parc.

Simple past tense with 'strange man'.

Everything in this city seems strange to me.

Tout dans cette ville me semble étrange.

'Seems strange to [someone]' construction.

There is something strange about this letter.

Il y a quelque chose d'étrange dans cette lettre.

'Something strange about...' construction.

He told me a very strange story.

Il m'a raconté une histoire très étrange.

Adverb 'very' modifying 'strange'.

It was a strange coincidence that we met there.

C'était une étrange coïncidence que nous nous soyons rencontrés là-bas.

Using 'strange' with an abstract noun like 'coincidence'.

The atmosphere in the room was quite strange.

L'atmosphère dans la pièce était assez étrange.

Adjective describing a mood or environment.

I'm not used to these strange customs yet.

Je ne suis pas encore habitué à ces coutumes étranges.

'Strange' used to describe cultural differences.

That's the strangest thing I've ever heard.

C'est la chose la plus étrange que j'aie jamais entendue.

Superlative form 'the strangest'.

She has a strange way of expressing her feelings.

Elle a une étrange façon d'exprimer ses sentiments.

'Strange way of [doing something]'.

It felt strange to be back in my old school.

C'était étrange d'être de retour dans mon ancienne école.

'It felt strange to [verb]' construction.

The car was making a strange clicking sound.

La voiture faisait un étrange cliquetis.

Using 'strange' with a specific sensory noun.

He has some rather strange ideas about politics.

Il a des idées assez étranges sur la politique.

Adverb 'rather' modifying 'strange'.

Strangely enough, I actually enjoyed the movie.

Assez étrangement, j'ai en fait apprécié le film.

Sentence adverb 'Strangely enough'.

There was a strange tension between the two brothers.

Il y avait une étrange tension entre les deux frères.

Describing a subtle social dynamic.

The situation took a strange turn after the meeting.

La situation a pris un tour étrange après la réunion.

Idiomatic phrase 'took a strange turn'.

He is a stranger to the local laws and customs.

Il est étranger aux lois et coutumes locales.

Using 'stranger' as a noun in a formal context.

The experiment produced some very strange results.

L'expérience a produit des résultats très étranges.

Using 'strange' in a professional/scientific context.

It seems strange that they haven't contacted us yet.

Il semble étrange qu'ils ne nous aient pas encore contactés.

'It seems strange that...' with a perfect tense clause.

The landscape had a strange, haunting beauty.

Le paysage avait une beauté étrange et envoûtante.

Using 'strange' alongside another evocative adjective.

She noticed a strange look in his eyes during the talk.

Elle a remarqué un regard étrange dans ses yeux pendant la discussion.

Describing a subtle non-verbal cue.

The novel explores the strange duality of human nature.

Le roman explore l'étrange dualité de la nature humaine.

Using 'strange' for philosophical/literary analysis.

There is a strange irony in the fact that he lost his keys while teaching a class on organization.

Il y a une étrange ironie dans le fait qu'il ait perdu ses clés en donnant un cours sur l'organisation.

Describing a complex conceptual relationship.

The city felt strange and alien after so many years away.

La ville semblait étrange et étrangère après tant d'années d'absence.

Pairing 'strange' with 'alien' for emphasis.

He has a strange habit of quoting Latin at inappropriate moments.

Il a l'étrange habitude de citer du latin à des moments inopportuns.

Describing a specific, idiosyncratic behavior.

The silence in the abandoned hospital was profoundly strange.

Le silence dans l'hôpital abandonné était profondément étrange.

Adverb 'profoundly' modifying 'strange'.

It is a strange phenomenon that occurs only during the solstice.

C'est un phénomène étrange qui ne se produit que pendant le solstice.

Using 'strange' with a formal noun like 'phenomenon'.

The artist's work is characterized by a strange, dreamlike quality.

L'œuvre de l'artiste se caractérise par une qualité étrange et onirique.

Describing an aesthetic style.

Strangely, the more he tried to help, the worse things became.

Étrangement, plus il essayait d'aider, plus les choses empiraient.

Sentence-starting adverb to introduce a paradox.

The theory posits a strange relationship between time and gravity.

La théorie avance une relation étrange entre le temps et la gravité.

Using 'strange' in high-level scientific theorizing.

We are often struck by the strange persistence of memory in old age.

Nous sommes souvent frappés par l'étrange persistance de la mémoire dans la vieillesse.

Describing a profound psychological observation.

The play captures the strange malaise of modern urban life.

La pièce capture l'étrange malaise de la vie urbaine moderne.

Using 'strange' to describe a complex emotional state.

There is a strange beauty in the decay of the old industrial buildings.

Il y a une beauté étrange dans le délabrement des vieux bâtiments industriels.

Exploring an aesthetic paradox.

The philosopher discussed the strange necessity of suffering in human growth.

Le philosophe a discuté de l'étrange nécessité de la souffrance dans la croissance humaine.

Using 'strange' in a deep philosophical context.

The music had a strange, dissonant quality that was both unsettling and fascinating.

La musique avait une qualité étrange et dissonante qui était à la fois troublante et fascinante.

Detailed description of a sensory experience.

He found himself in the strange position of defending a man he despised.

Il se retrouva dans l'étrange position de défendre un homme qu'il méprisait.

Describing a complex ethical or social situation.

The strange logic of the dream made perfect sense until I woke up.

La logique étrange du rêve avait tout son sens jusqu'à ce que je me réveille.

Describing the internal consistency of an irrational state.

Collocations courantes

Strange feeling

Strange noise

Strange coincidence

Strange behavior

Strange look

Strange place

Strange phenomenon

Strange smell

Strange dream

Strange turn of events

Phrases Courantes

It's strange that...

Strange as it may seem

A strange thing happened

Strange but true

Feel strange

Look strange

Sound strange

Something strange is going on

A strange mixture of

In a strange way

Souvent confondu avec

strange vs Stranger

A noun meaning a person you don't know. 'I am a stranger here.'

strange vs Strong

An adjective meaning powerful. 'He is a strong man.'

strange vs Foreign

An adjective meaning from another country. 'I like foreign films.'

Expressions idiomatiques

"Stranger things have happened"

Used to say that although something seems unlikely, it is possible because even more unusual things have occurred.

Do you think they'll win? Well, stranger things have happened.

Informal

"Strange bedfellows"

An unlikely alliance or association between people or groups who are usually opponents.

Politics makes for strange bedfellows, as we saw in the recent coalition.

Formal/Journalistic

"Truth is stranger than fiction"

Real life can be more unbelievable than stories that are made up.

The story of how they survived the shipwreck proves that truth is stranger than fiction.

Neutral

"A strange fish"

A person who is unusual or eccentric.

Our new neighbor is a bit of a strange fish; he never leaves his house during the day.

Informal/British

"Strange to say"

Used to introduce a surprising or unexpected fact.

Strange to say, I actually missed the cold weather when I moved to the tropics.

Neutral

"To be no stranger to"

To be very familiar with something, usually something difficult or unpleasant.

She is no stranger to hard work, having grown up on a farm.

Neutral/Formal

"Strange fruit"

A powerful metaphor (often referencing the song by Billie Holiday) for the victims of lynching, but more generally used for something unnatural or horrific.

The historical context of the term 'strange fruit' is deeply tragic.

Literary/Historical

"A stranger in a strange land"

A person who is in a place where they do not know the customs or the people (from the Bible and Robert Heinlein).

Moving to Tokyo made me feel like a stranger in a strange land.

Literary

"To make strange"

Used (especially of a baby) to show fear or shyness towards people they don't know.

The baby started to make strange when her aunt tried to hold her.

Informal/Regional

"Strange days"

A period of time characterized by unusual or unsettling events.

These are strange days indeed, with so much uncertainty in the world.

Neutral

Facile à confondre

strange vs Weird

Both mean unusual.

'Weird' is more informal and often implies something creepy or supernatural, while 'strange' is more general and neutral.

It's strange that he's late, but it's weird that he left his shoes on the lawn.

strange vs Odd

Both mean unusual.

'Odd' often suggests something that doesn't fit a pattern or is out of place, like an odd number or an odd sock.

He has an odd sense of humor.

strange vs Funny

Both can mean unusual in certain contexts.

'Funny' usually means humorous, but in 'that's funny,' it means strange. Use 'strange' to avoid confusion.

That's a funny (strange) way to open a bottle.

strange vs Peculiar

Both mean unusual.

'Peculiar' often suggests a specific quality that belongs only to one person or thing.

This plant has a peculiar smell.

strange vs Unusual

Both mean not common.

'Unusual' is a bit more formal and simply means 'not common,' while 'strange' often adds a feeling of surprise or mystery.

It is unusual to have snow in April.

Structures de phrases

Subject + is + strange.

The dog is strange.

It is strange that + [sentence].

It is strange that he is not here.

There is something strange about + [noun].

There is something strange about this room.

Subject + seem/look/feel + strange.

The water looks strange.

Strangely enough, + [sentence].

Strangely enough, I like this music.

The + [superlative] + thing is...

The strangest thing is that I don't remember him.

Subject + find + [noun] + strange.

I find his behavior very strange.

Strange as it may seem, + [sentence].

Strange as it may seem, the plan worked.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

He is a strange. → He is a stranger. / He is strange.
You cannot use 'strange' as a noun for a person. Use 'stranger' (noun) or 'strange' (adjective).
The car sounds strange. → The car sounds strangely. (Formal) / The car sounds strange. (Informal)
In formal writing, use the adverb 'strangely' to describe how something sounds.
I met a strange in the street. → I met a stranger in the street.
'Stranger' is the noun for a person you do not know.
It's a strange beautiful day. → It's a beautiful strange day.
Opinion adjectives (beautiful) usually come before novelty adjectives (strange).
I am strange to this city. → I am a stranger to this city. / This city is strange to me.
You are the 'stranger' (noun), but the city is 'strange' (adjective) to you.

Astuces

Use Synonyms

To sound more like a native speaker, try using 'odd' for small things and 'bizarre' for very big, strange things.

Adjective vs Noun

Always remember: 'strange' describes a thing, 'stranger' is a person you don't know.

Politeness

If you want to be polite, use 'a bit strange' instead of just 'strange' when talking about someone's ideas.

Sentence Starters

Use 'It is strange that...' to grab the reader's attention at the start of a paragraph.

Context Clues

If you hear 'strange' in a movie, look at the characters' faces to see if they are scared, confused, or just curious.

Cultural Awareness

Remember that what is 'strange' in your country might be 'normal' in another. Use the word carefully.

Mnemonic

Remember: A STRange STRanger is someone you don't know.

Strange Feeling

The phrase 'I have a strange feeling' is a great way to talk about your intuition or 'gut feeling'.

Formal Writing

In scientific reports, use 'anomalous' or 'unexpected' instead of 'strange' for a more professional tone.

Stranger Things

Use the phrase 'Stranger things have happened' when you want to say that anything is possible.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a STRange STRanger in a STRipey shirt. The 'STR' start helps you remember the spelling and the connection to things you don't know.

Association visuelle

Imagine a purple apple. An apple is familiar, but a purple one is 'strange.' This visual contrast helps anchor the meaning of deviation from the norm.

Word Web

Unusual Odd Weird Mystery Foreign Surprise Unfamiliar Bizarre

Défi

Try to find three 'strange' things on your way home today and describe them using the word 'strange' and one synonym.

Origine du mot

The word 'strange' entered the English language in the late 13th century. It comes from the Old French word 'estrange,' which means 'foreign, alien, or unusual.'

Sens originel : The original meaning was primarily 'foreign' or 'from another country.' This is why we still use the word 'stranger' to mean someone we don't know—they were originally seen as 'foreigners' to our social circle.

It belongs to the Indo-European family, specifically the Romance branch via French, ultimately tracing back to the Latin word 'extraneus,' meaning 'external' or 'from without.'

Contexte culturel

Be careful when calling people 'strange' directly, as it can be taken as an insult. It is better to describe their 'habits' or 'ideas' as strange.

In the UK, 'strange' is often used with 'rather' or 'quite' to be polite. In the US, it's often used more directly.

Doctor Strange (Marvel Comics/MCU) Stranger Things (Netflix Series) The Stranger (Novel by Albert Camus)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Mystery/Crime

Strange circumstances
Strange disappearance
Strange evidence
Strange witness

Science/Nature

Strange phenomenon
Strange species
Strange reaction
Strange data

Daily Life

Strange noise
Strange smell
Strange feeling
Strange coincidence

Social Interaction

Strange behavior
Strange look
Strange person
Strange habit

Travel/Culture

Strange customs
Strange food
Strange place
Strange language

Amorces de conversation

"Have you ever seen anything really strange in the sky?"

"What is the strangest food you have ever tried?"

"Do you have any strange habits that your friends laugh at?"

"What is the strangest coincidence that has ever happened to you?"

"Have you ever had a strange feeling that came true later?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a strange dream you had recently and what you think it might mean.

Write about a time you felt like a stranger in a new place.

If you could have one strange superpower, what would it be and why?

Describe a strange person you saw once and never forgot.

What is something that seems strange to others but perfectly normal to you?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, but be careful. Calling someone 'a strange person' can be a bit rude. It is often better to say they are 'unusual' or 'eccentric,' or to describe their 'strange habits' instead.

'Strange' is an adjective (a strange book), while 'stranger' is a noun (I don't know that stranger). You cannot say 'He is a strange to me'; you must say 'He is a stranger to me.'

Not necessarily. It can be neutral (a strange coincidence) or even positive (a strange beauty). However, it often implies a slight feeling of unease or confusion.

'Strangely' is an adverb. You can use it to describe an action ('He looked at me strangely') or to comment on a whole situation ('Strangely, the door was already open').

It's an idiom meaning that two people or groups who are usually enemies have joined together for a specific reason, often in politics.

Yes, in the phrase 'to feel strange,' it can mean you feel dizzy, sick, or just not like your usual self.

'Weird' is much more informal. In a school essay or a business meeting, 'strange' or 'unusual' is usually a better choice.

The most common opposites are 'normal,' 'ordinary,' 'familiar,' and 'common.'

It comes from the Old French word 'estrange,' which originally meant 'foreign' or 'from outside.'

People often talk about strange noises, strange smells, strange dreams, strange coincidences, and strange behavior.