foreign-style
|for-eign-style|
🇺🇸
/ˈfɔrən-staɪl/
🇬🇧
/ˈfɒrɪn-staɪl/
in the manner of another country
Etymology
'foreign-style' is a modern English compound formed from 'foreign' + 'style'. 'foreign' ultimately comes from Latin via Old French, and 'style' comes from Latin via Old French/Medieval Latin.
'foreign' originates from Old French 'forain' (or 'foren') and Medieval Latin 'foraneus', from Latin 'foris' meaning 'outside'. 'style' originates from Latin 'stilus' (writing instrument) and Late Latin/Old French 'estile', later taking the broader sense of 'manner' or 'fashion' in Middle English and becoming 'style'. The compound 'foreign-style' arose in modern English by combining these two words to describe a manner or design associated with foreign places.
Originally, 'foreign' referred simply to 'from outside' and 'style' to a mode or manner; together they originally meant 'a manner/design from outside (another place)', and the combined meaning has remained broadly that of 'in the manner of another country' though usage has broadened to stylistic and cultural senses.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having the appearance, manner, or design typical of a foreign country; designed or made in a way that reflects another country's fashions or conventions.
The restaurant is decorated in a foreign-style, with lanterns and carved screens imported from abroad.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
not native or characteristic of the local culture; perceived as alien or unfamiliar in manner or presentation.
Her speech sounded foreign-style to the townspeople, who were used to more direct expressions.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/27 13:16