Alien
/ˈeɪliən/
Definitions
2 meaningsA being from a planet other than Earth.
/ˈeɪliən/
A creature from another planet.
The spaceship was carrying several alien passengers.
💡 Simply: Someone or something from another world.
More Examples
Scientists are searching for signs of alien life.
How It's Used
"The movie featured terrifying aliens with advanced weaponry."
"Many popular books and films depict alien encounters."
Belonging to another country or place; foreign.
/ˈeɪliən/
Foreign; strange; unfamiliar.
The customs official examined the alien documents.
💡 Simply: Strange, foreign, or unfamiliar.
More Examples
The customs of that tribe were alien to us.
How It's Used
"He was declared an alien resident."
"The concept felt completely alien to him."
From Middle French alien, from Latin alienus "belonging to another; foreign, strange," from alius "other," from Proto-Indo-European *al-yo-
The word 'alien' has a long history, initially referring primarily to foreign individuals or things, and later expanding to its science fiction connotations.
Memory tip
Think 'A-lien' - someone who is not from here.