Nelson-Denny Practice Test

What does it mean to describe something as foreign?

1. Diverse

2. Alien

3. Contaminate

4. Congregate

The correct answer is: Alien

To describe something as foreign means that it is alien or not originating from the local environment or context. This term typically refers to items, ideas, cultures, or people that come from outside a particular country or area, emphasizing their difference from what is customary or indigenous. The word "alien" captures this idea of being distinctly separate or different—indicating that something foreign is not familiar and often carries connotations of being from another country or culture. In contrast, the other options convey different meanings: "diverse" relates more to variety and difference within a familiar setting, "contaminate" suggests the idea of mixing with something that is undesirable, and "congregate" refers to gathering together, often implying a sense of community or belonging. Each of these terms does not encapsulate the essence of being foreign in the way that "alien" does.