Ostracized: The Power of Social Exclusion
Explore the meaning and history of the word ‘ostracize’, which refers to the act of deliberately excluding someone from a social group or community. Learn about the origins of this concept in ancient Greece, common examples of ostracism, and the importance of understanding this social dynamic for navigating various settings.
Have you ever felt like you were being pushed out of a social group, deliberately excluded or ignored?
This feeling of being shut out is at the heart of our GRE vocabulary word for today: ostracize.
Word type:
Ostracize is a verb. It’s pronounced OS-truh-size, with the stress on the first syllable.
Meaning: To ostracize means to exclude someone from a society or group.
It involves deliberately avoiding, ignoring, or shutting out an individual, often as a form of punishment or disapproval.
When someone is ostracized, they are treated as if they no longer exist within a particular social circle or community.
Word history: The term ostracize has a fascinating origin dating back to ancient Greece. In Athens, citizens could vote to banish a person they considered dangerous to the stability of the state.
They would write the name of the person on a piece of pottery called an ostrakon. If enough votes were cast, the individual would be exiled for ten years.
This practice gave rise to our modern use of the word ostracize.
Antonyms: Some antonyms for ostracize include include, welcome, accept, embrace, and integrate.
Synonyms: Synonyms for ostracize include shun, exclude, banish, boycott, and blackball.
Examples use in sentences:
The new student felt ostracized when no one would sit with him at lunch. The committee decided to ostracize members who violated the code of conduct.
Social media can sometimes be used to ostracize individuals who express unpopular opinions. Common errors in use:
One common error is confusing ostracize with criticize. While criticism involves expressing disapproval, ostracism goes further by actively excluding someone.
Another mistake is using ostracize for temporary or mild exclusion. True ostracism is typically a severe and often long-lasting form of social rejection.
Understanding the concept of ostracism is crucial not only for the GRE but also for navigating social dynamics in various settings.
It highlights the power of group inclusion and exclusion, reminding us of the profound impact our social behaviors can have on others.
Whether in personal relationships, professional environments, or broader society, the ability to recognize and address ostracism can contribute to creating more inclusive and supportive communities.
