strange

Everyday

1. Strange means unusual or surprising in a way that is hard to explain: a strange noise. tree →
2. Strange means unfamiliar, not known to you: a strange place. tree →
3. Feeling strange means feeling a bit unwell or not normal. tree →

In the lessons

In stories «strange» builds mystery and suspense: a strange light, a strange smell, a strange visitor. In safety lessons, a strange smell (smoke, gas) or a strange feeling about a person is a warning sign; tell an adult. In science, a strange result is a reason to check again. Phrases: strange to say, feel strange, a strange place, strangely quiet.

Examples

• I heard a strange noise in the night. tree →
• It's strange that the dog isn't barking. tree →
• Everything felt strange on my first day at the new school. tree →
• If you smell something strange like gas, tell an adult straight away. tree →
• A strange man was standing by the gate. tree →
• That's strange; I left my book right here! tree →
• The house was strangely quiet. tree →
• I feel a bit strange; I think I'm getting sick. tree →
• And then a strange thing happened. tree →

Note

Comparison: stranger, strangest. Trap: «stranger» is also a noun meaning a person you don't know («Don't talk to strangers»), not only «more strange». «Strange» and «weird» are close; «odd» and «unusual» are softer.

In Jewish tradition

"Strange" here means foreign or not allowed, as in "strange fire," "strange gods," or the "strange woman" of Proverbs who is an outsider and a danger. It can also mean odd and confused, as in "strange things" seen by a drunk man.

Interpretation. "Strange fire" is fire offered that God had not commanded. The rabbis give several reasons for the death of Nadab and Abihu, such as bringing fire without being told, or being too proud. The Psalms say there must be no strange god in Israel, and the tradition reads Proverbs' warning as teaching to keep away from temptation.

Examples

• And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD. (Torah NUM.26.61, JPS 1917) tree →
• The LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with Him. (Torah DEU.32.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• They roused Him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations did they provoke Him. (Torah DEU.32.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thine eyes shall behold strange things, and thy heart shall utter confused things. (Writings PRO.23.33, JPS 1917) tree →
• There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any foreign god. (Writings PSA.81.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• For the lips of a strange woman drop honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; (Writings PRO.5.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Comparison: stranger, strangest. Trap: «stranger» is also a noun meaning a person you don't know («Don't talk to strangers»), not only «more strange». «Strange» and «weird» are close; «odd» and «unusual» are softer.