bystander
A person who watches something happen but does not take part.
bystander in a sentence
- A curious bystander filmed the runaway shopping trolley as it rolled down the hill.
- When the street magician needed a helper, he picked a surprised bystander from the watching crowd.
Try an 11+ style question
Verbal reasoning papers often ask about a word like this.
Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to bystander?
- Aparticipant
- Bonlooker
- Cwatcher
- Dwitness
Show the answer
A: participant. The other three mean nearly the same as bystander.
Words that mean something similar
onlooker, watcher, witness
Words that mean the opposite
participant
More words about character & personality
- callous: Cruel and not caring about other people's feelings.
- candid: Honest and truthful, saying exactly what you really think.
- candidate: Someone who is trying to be chosen for a job, a prize or a place.
- capable: Able to do something well.
- compassionate: Feeling sorry for others who are hurting and wanting to help them.
- compatible: Able to exist or work well together.
- comrade: A close friend or companion, especially someone you share hard times with.
- conceited: Much too proud of yourself and your abilities.
More words to explore
Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?
Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test