Meaning & use
pariahs
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“pariahs” is a form of “pariah”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounpluraldisapproving
People or countries that others reject, avoid or treat as unacceptable.
Grammar: Plural of pariah; often follows become or be treated as.
Patterns
- treat someone as pariahs
- become pariahs
After the scandal, the executives were treated as pariahs by the industry.
Several nations were turned into international pariahs by the sanctions.
Whistleblowers can become pariahs in their own workplaces.
Word forms
| singular | pariah |
|---|
Common combinations
- treated as pariahs
- The families were treated as pariahs by the village.
- international pariahs
- The regime made its country an international pariah.
- social pariahs
- Smokers were turned into social pariahs.
- become pariahs
- They feared they would become pariahs if they spoke out.
- pariah state
- Critics called it a pariah state.
Synonyms and how they differ
- outcasts
- Outcasts is the everyday word and can sound sympathetic, while pariahs stresses active rejection by society.
- outsiders
- Outsiders only means people not belonging to a group and does not imply they are shunned.
- untouchables
- Untouchables is stronger and tied to caste, so it is rarely suitable in general writing.
- exiles
- Exiles are forced to leave a place, whereas pariahs may stay but be shunned.
Opposites
Word family
- pariah noun
- singular form, an outcast
- pariah state noun
- a country shunned by others
Commonly confused: pariahs or paria?
pariahs vs paria
Paria is not an English word; the correct spelling is pariah, with a final h.
Practice
After the fraud was revealed, the bankers were treated as ____ by their former colleagues.
Choose one answer.
Pariahs are people who are shunned, which fits being rejected after fraud. Patrons, pioneers and partners all suggest positive relationships.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “pariahs”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.