What does alien mean Meaning and Definition
What does alien mean
Pronunciation
/ˈeɪliən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A foreigner, especially one who is not a naturalized citizen of the country where they are living. An extraterrestrial being, especially one imagined in science fiction as visiting earth.
Examples
- The immigrant had been living as an alien in the country for over a decade before gaining citizenship.
- The science fiction movie featured an alien invasion of Earth.
Synonyms
- Foreigner
- Non-citizen
- Extraterrestrial
Antonyms
- Citizen
- Native
Additional Information
The term “alien” can be used in various contexts, including immigration, science fiction, and even in a more general sense to describe something or someone that is unfamiliar or strange. In the context of immigration, an alien is someone who is not a citizen of the country where they are living. In science fiction, an alien is often depicted as an extraterrestrial being who visits Earth.
The concept of aliens has been explored in various forms of media, including movies, books, and television shows. The idea of extraterrestrial life has fascinated humans for centuries, and the possibility of encountering alien life forms continues to be a topic of interest and debate.
In addition to its literal meaning, the term “alien” can also be used metaphorically to describe something or someone that is perceived as strange or unfamiliar. For example, someone who is new to a particular culture or environment may feel like an alien until they become more familiar with their surroundings.
Etymology
The word “alien” comes from the Latin word “alius,” which means “other” or “different.” The term has been used in English since the 14th century to describe someone or something that is foreign or unfamiliar.
Usage Notes
The term “alien” can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal contexts, such as in immigration or scientific discussions, the term is often used to describe someone or something that is foreign or extraterrestrial. In informal contexts, the term may be used more loosely to describe something or someone that is perceived as strange or unfamiliar.
Cultural References
The concept of aliens has been explored in various forms of media, including movies, books, and television shows. Some notable examples include the movie “Alien” (1979), the book “The War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells (1898), and the television show “Star Trek” (1966-1969).
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Alien to” – meaning unfamiliar or strange to someone or something.
- “Alien nation” – a phrase used to describe a country or culture that is perceived as foreign or unfamiliar.
Related Words or Phrases
- Foreigner
- Non-citizen
- Extraterrestrial
- Immigrant
Collocations
- Alien invasion
- Alien life form
- Alien culture
Frequency of Use
The term “alien” is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the term is used approximately 1.5 times per million words.
Common Misspellings
- Alien (correct spelling)
- Alien (no common misspellings)