The spelling of the word "outcast" is not as complicated as it may seem. The first syllable is pronounced as "out," which is phonetically transcribed as /aʊt/. The second syllable is pronounced as "cast," which is transcribed as /kæst/. Therefore, when combined, the word outcast is phonetically transcribed as /ˈaʊtˌkæst/. The stress of the word is on the first syllable. The term outcast refers to someone who is rejected or excluded from a social group or society.
The term "outcast" refers to an individual who has been rejected or excluded from a particular social group or community. This person often faces ostracism, abandonment, or isolation due to various factors such as their social status, beliefs, behaviors, physical appearance, or background.
An outcast is typically seen as an outsider, disconnected from mainstream society. They may experience a sense of alienation, loneliness, and a lack of belonging. This exclusion can be voluntary, involuntary, or a combination of both. Outcasts may be marginalized and stigmatized, leading to their mistreatment, discrimination, and unfair judgment from others.
The reasons for someone becoming an outcast can vary. It may stem from personal choices, such as deviating from societal norms, or it may arise from circumstances beyond their control, such as being born into a socially disadvantaged group or having a visible disability.
Outcasts often face numerous challenges, including limited access to resources, reduced opportunities for social interaction or employment, and a higher probability of experiencing mental health issues like depression or anxiety due to their exclusion from regular social support systems.
Despite the negative connotations associated with the term, some outcasts find solace and form their own subcultures or communities, fostering a sense of identity and support outside of mainstream society. In certain cases, individuals who were once outcasts may demonstrate resilience and use their experiences as a catalyst for personal growth, empathy, and ultimately, strive for social change.
One cast out or expelled; one driven from home or country.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "outcast" originated from the Middle English term "utcasten", which is a combination of two Old English words: "ūt" meaning "out" or "outside", and "casten" meaning "to cast". Hence, "outcast" literally means to be cast out or expelled from a group or society. The term evolved over time and made its way into modern English, retaining its original meaning of an individual who has been rejected or excluded from a community.