others

The word others is the plural form of other. It functions as a pronoun or determiner to refer to people or things that are different from those already mentioned. For example, some attended, others did not. The phrase the others designates the remaining individuals, while the rest can emphasize the aggregate remainder.

In social science, the Other denotes individuals or groups considered different from a reference group. The practice of othering creates social distance and can support stereotypes, exclusion, and discrimination, shaping how identities are formed and how power is distributed between insiders and outsiders.

In philosophy and ethics, the Other is a central concept in discussions of subjectivity and moral responsibility. Thinkers such as Hegel, Sartre, and Levinas treat the Other as a source of meaning for the self and as a being toward whom one bears ethical obligation. The relationship with the Other can reveal both interdependence and vulnerability in social life.

In language and culture, others can refer to people outside one’s own community or tradition. Usage requires care to avoid dehumanizing generalizations and to acknowledge individual differences within groups. The term is often encountered in discussions of inclusion, diversity, and intercultural contact, where recognizing others supports more accurate and respectful discourse.

See also: other, the other, othering, identity, discrimination.