Langimage
English

alien

|a-li-en|

B2

/ˈeɪ.li.ən/

foreign, otherworldly

Etymology
Etymology Information

'alien' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'alienus,' where 'alius' meant 'other.'

Historical Evolution

'alienus' transformed into the Old French word 'alien,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alien' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'belonging to another,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'foreign' and 'extraterrestrial being.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a being from another world or planet.

The movie featured an alien from Mars.

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Noun 2

a foreigner, especially one who is not a naturalized citizen of the country where they are living.

He was considered an alien in the country.

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Adjective 1

belonging to a foreign country or nation.

The customs seemed alien to her.

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Adjective 2

unfamiliar and disturbing or distasteful.

The concept was alien to his way of thinking.

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Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35