Definition

A person who is excluded from a social group or caste, often due to violating its rules or customs.

Example

In some societies, outcastes face discrimination and are treated as outsiders.

Conversation

I read an interesting article about the concept of outcaste in India.

Oh really? What did it say?

It talked about how outcastes often face social discrimination.

That's so sad; everyone deserves to be treated equally.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Outcaste → It is formed from "out-" (meaning outside) and "caste" (from Old French *casté*, meaning a social class or group). The word "outcaste" refers to someone who is outside of a particular social class or group, often marginalized or excluded from society.

Memory Tip

Think of someone being 'outside' ('out-') of a specific 'social class' ('caste') — that's why an outcaste is someone who is excluded from a group.

Visually Confused Words