student asking question

Does the word "strange" has a similar meaning to "scary"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Not quite! You could use the word "strange" to describe something "scary", and the word "scary" to describe something "strange". However, the main difference is that something can be "strange" and it wouldn't frighten you or be "scary" - it's just odd or unusual. Similarly, something can be "scary" and not be odd, unusual - or "strange". It just frightens you! Ex: What a strange-looking object. I wonder what it does. Ex: I think sharks are so scary! Which is why I don't like the ocean. Ex: It's a little strange and scary that you can't feel the cold! Are you okay?

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