Foreign vs. International — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 6, 2023
Foreign pertains to something from another country, while International relates to two or more countries.
Difference Between Foreign and International
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Foreign generally refers to something or someone originating from a country other than one's own. For instance, a person from France living in the USA is considered a Foreign national in the USA. On the other hand, International encompasses matters that span multiple countries or are agreed upon by multiple nations. An airline operating in multiple countries exemplifies an International business.
Differentiating between Foreign and International is vital in various contexts. For example, Foreign policy is a country's approach to dealing with other nations, while International policy might involve multiple countries working together on a shared objective. The nuances between these terms matter in diplomatic and business contexts.
In commerce, Foreign trade typically implies transactions between two countries, whereas International trade can encompass trade activities involving multiple countries. Understanding this distinction aids in grasping global business dynamics and operations.
Language and culture also highlight the differences. A Foreign language is a language not native to one's own country. In contrast, International languages like English or Spanish are spoken across numerous countries, facilitating global communication. Recognizing the differentiation between Foreign and International ensures a clearer understanding of global dynamics and relationships.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Relating to a country other than one's own
Involving two or more countries
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Usage
Specific to one outside country
Spans or is recognized by multiple countries
Context
Often highlights difference or origin
Emphasizes collaboration or mutual recognition
Relation
One-to-one relation with another country
Multi-country interaction
Examples
Foreign currency, Foreign national
International treaty, International business
Compare with Definitions
Foreign
Not native or indigenous.
Many Foreign plants have been introduced here.
International
Relating to or involving two or more countries.
The International community condemned the act.
Foreign
Located away from one's native country
On business in a foreign city.
International
Accepted by or used between nations.
English is an International language.
Foreign
Of, characteristic of, or from a place or country other than the one being considered
A foreign custom.
International
Active or known worldwide.
She's an International best-selling author.
Foreign
Conducted or involved with other nations or governments; not domestic
Foreign trade.
International
Existing or carried on between nations.
International trade agreements benefit both countries.
Foreign
Situated in an abnormal or improper place in the body and typically introduced from outside
A foreign object in the eye.
International
Of, relating to, or involving two or more nations
An international commission.
International affairs.
Foreign
Not natural; alien
Jealousy is foreign to her nature.
International
Extending across or transcending national boundaries
International fame.
Foreign
Not germane; irrelevant.
International
Any of several socialist organizations of international scope formed during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Foreign
Subject to the jurisdiction of another political unit.
International
Of or having to do with more than one nation.
Foreign
Located outside a country or place, especially one's own.
Foreign markets; foreign soil
He liked visiting foreign cities.
International
Between or among nations
An international discussion
Foreign
Originating from, characteristic of, belonging to, or being a citizen of a country or place other than the one under discussion.
Foreign car; foreign word; foreign citizen; foreign trade
There are many more foreign students in Europe since the Erasmus scheme started.
International
Participated in by two or more nations
An international competition
Foreign
Relating to a different nation.
Foreign policy; foreign navies
International
Common to, or affecting, two or more nations.
An international rule
Foreign
Not characteristic of or naturally taken in by an organism or system.
Foreign body;foreign substance;foreign gene;foreign species
International
Serving two or more nations
An international airport
Foreign
Alien; strange.
It was completely foreign to their way of thinking.
International
Of or concerning the association called the International.
Foreign
(obsolete) Held at a distance; excluded; exiled.
International
Independent of national boundaries; common to all people.
The atmosphere is an international resource.
The international community of scholars.
Foreign
From a different one of the states of the United States, as of a state of residence or incorporation.
International
Foreign; of another nation.
An international student
Foreign
Belonging to a different organization, company etc.
My bank charges me $2.50 every time I use a foreign ATM.
International
Someone who has represented their country in a particular sport.
The United team includes five England internationals.
Foreign
Outside, outdoors, outdoor.
International
A game or contest between two or more nations.
Foreign
A foreign person, particularly:
International
(politics) A transnational organization of political parties of similar ideology.
Foreign
A foreigner: a person from another country.
International
Between or among nations; pertaining to the intercourse of nations; participated in by two or more nations; common to, or affecting, two or more nations.
Foreign
An outsider: a person from another place or group.
International
Of or concerning the association called the International.
Foreign
A non-guildmember.
International
Independent of national boundaries; common to all people; as, the atmosphere is an international resource; the international community of scholars.
Foreign
A foreign vehicle, particularly:
International
The International; an abbreviated from of the title of the International Workingmen's Association, the name of an association, formed in London in 1864, which has for object the promotion of the interests of the industrial classes of all nations.
Foreign
(obsolete) A foreign ship.
International
A member of the International Association.
Foreign
(slang) A foreign whip, a car produced abroad.
International
Any of several international socialist organizations
Foreign
Clipping of chamber foreign: an outhouse.
International
Concerning or belonging to all or at least two or more nations;
International affairs
An international agreement
International waters
Foreign
A foreign area, particularly:
International
From or between other countries;
External commerce
International trade
Developing nations need outside help
Foreign
An area of a community that lies outside the legal town or parish limits.
International
Concerned with cooperative activities among nations.
They held an International conference.
Foreign
An area of a monastery outside its legal limits or serving as an outer court.
Foreign
Short for various phrases, including foreign language, foreign parts, and foreign service.
Foreign
Outside; extraneous; separated; alien; as, a foreign country; a foreign government.
Foreign
Not native or belonging to a certain country; born in or belonging to another country, nation, sovereignty, or locality; as, a foreign language; foreign fruits.
Hail, foreign wonder!Whom certain these rough shades did never breed.
Foreign
Remote; distant; strange; not belonging; not connected; not pertaining or pertient; not appropriate; not harmonious; not agreeable; not congenial; - with to or from; as, foreign to the purpose; foreign to one's nature.
This design is not foreign from some people's thoughts.
Foreign
Held at a distance; excluded; exiled.
Kept him a foreign man still; which so grieved him,That he ran mad and died.
Foreign
Of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own);
Foreign trade
A foreign office
Foreign
Relating to or originating in or characteristic of another place or part of the world;
Foreign nations
A foreign accent
On business in a foreign city
Foreign
Not contained in or deriving from the essential nature of something;
An economic theory alien to the spirit of capitalism
The mysticism so foreign to the French mind and temper
Jealousy is foreign to her nature
Foreign
Not belonging to that in which it is contained; introduced from an outside source;
Water free of extraneous matter
Foreign particles in milk
Foreign
Originating from a different country.
He loves Foreign films.
Foreign
Unfamiliar or strange.
The concept was Foreign to her.
Foreign
Situated outside one's own country.
She works in a Foreign office.
Foreign
Not belonging to a place or group.
His ideas were Foreign to their way of thinking.
Common Curiosities
How is International different from Foreign?
International relates to two or more countries, while Foreign pertains to another country distinct from one's own.
What does Foreign mean?
Foreign refers to something or someone from a country other than one's own.
Can International refer to global activities?
Yes, International often refers to activities spanning multiple countries or globally accepted practices.
What's an International treaty?
An agreement or contract made between multiple countries.
Can a Foreign language also be International?
Yes, a Foreign language to one might be an International language spoken across many countries.
What's an example of Foreign trade?
USA importing goods from China is Foreign trade.
Can something be both Foreign and International?
Yes, a Foreign currency like the Euro is also International as it's used by multiple countries.
How is International law formulated?
It's often based on treaties, conventions, and agreements recognized by multiple nations.
Is Foreign always about countries?
Mostly, but it can also mean unfamiliar or not belonging to a certain place or group.
Is a Foreign policy the same as an International policy?
No, Foreign policy relates to one country's stance towards others, while International policy involves multiple countries' joint stances or objectives.
How does International business operate?
International businesses function across multiple countries, adhering to various local and global regulations.
What's an example of a Foreign national?
A German citizen living in the USA is a Foreign national in the US.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
