The phrase "complete stranger" refers to someone entirely unknown to the speaker. Phonetically, "complete" is pronounced as /kəmˈpliːt/ with emphasis on the first syllable (kəm). "Stranger" is pronounced as /ˈstreɪndʒər/, with emphasis on the second syllable (streɪn). The word "stranger" is spelled with a "g" instead of a "j," which reflects its original Latin root, "extraneus." Whether encountering a complete stranger in a new city or at a social event, the phrase encapsulates feelings of unfamiliarity and an unexplored connection.
The term "complete stranger" refers to an individual with whom one has absolutely no prior connection, acquaintance, or familiarity. This person is entirely unknown to another individual, making them a stranger in every sense of the word. When referring to someone as a "complete stranger," it implies a lack of any previous interaction, knowledge, or personal relationship between the two individuals.
The phrase "complete stranger" often highlights the absence of any shared experiences, shared social circles, or shared connections between the persons involved. It suggests that the individual is not recognized or familiar to the speaker, emphasizing the perceived lack of any existing knowledge or history of encounters with this person.
In everyday conversations and situations, whether in real-life or online, the term "complete stranger" is commonly employed to describe encounters with individuals who are entirely unknown to the speaker, serving as a reminder that the person being referred to is entirely new to them. Whether these encounters are chance meetings, introduction through mutual friends, or interactions in a virtual setting, the expression "complete stranger" underscores the unfamiliarity and lack of prior association between the people involved.
The etymology of the word "complete stranger" can be analyzed by breaking down the individual words:
1. Complete: The word "complete" comes from the Latin word "completus", which is the past participle of "complere". "Complere" is formed by combining the prefix "com-" meaning "together" or "completely", and the verb "plere" meaning "to fill". "Complete" thus signifies "to fill or make whole".
2. Stranger: The word "stranger" originates from the Old English word "strang", meaning "foreign" or "unknown". It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "strangaz", which also referred to "foreigners" or "outsiders".
When combining the words "complete" and "stranger", the phrase "complete stranger" refers to someone who is entirely unknown or unfamiliar.