alien
noun (countable)
UK/ˈeɪ.li.ən/US/ˈeɪ.li.ən/
A foreigner or outsider; an extraterrestrial being from another planet.
Example Sentences
The movie features an alien who comes to Earth in search of knowledge and understanding.
She felt like an alien in the new school, struggling to make friends and fit in.
Governments around the world have debated the existence of aliens for decades, fueling both scientific inquiry and public fascination.
After moving to a different country, he was treated as an alien by some of his new neighbors, who were wary of his unfamiliar customs.
In the science fiction novel, the protagonist encounters several types of aliens, each with unique abilities and cultures.
The alien arrived in a spacecraft, sparking both fear and excitement among the onlookers who had never seen anything like it before.
Despite being an alien in the new city, her determination and friendliness helped her quickly adapt and build a supportive community.
The documentary explored the possibility of alien life existing on distant planets, highlighting recent astronomical discoveries and theories.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
adjective
UK/ˈeɪ.li.ən/US/ˈeɪ.li.ən/
Relating to or characteristic of a foreign country or environment; unfamiliar or strange.
Example Sentences
The decor of the new restaurant had an alien feel, combining traditional and modern elements in unexpected ways.
He found the alien landscape both fascinating and intimidating, with its unusual rock formations and vibrant colors.
Adapting to the alien culture of his host country took time, but he eventually grew to appreciate its unique traditions and customs.
The concept of time travel remains an alien idea to many, often explored in science fiction literature and films.
She described the alien emotions she felt when starting a new job, unsure of how to express herself in the unfamiliar environment.
The alien technology used by the space explorers was far more advanced than anything on Earth, leaving scientists in awe of its capabilities.
Visiting the remote village felt alien to her, with its traditional lifestyle and lack of modern conveniences.
The artist's new collection featured alien-inspired sculptures that challenged viewers' perceptions of reality and imagination.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Something or someone from elsewhere, unfamiliar, or non-native.Use “alien” when referring to entities, people, or concepts not originating from one’s usual environment. In popular culture, it often describes extraterrestrial beings—characters or life forms from outer space, like in sci-fi movies featuring alien invasions. In legal or immigration contexts, “alien” historically denotes a non-citizen or someone foreign to a country, though many jurisdictions now prefer more neutral terms like “foreign national” due to sensitivity around the word’s connotations. “Alien” can also appear in discussions about ideas or customs that feel radically different: “His approach to teamwork seemed alien to our established culture.” In each usage, “alien” highlights something distant, unknown, or fundamentally dissimilar from common experience. However, be mindful of context and tone: calling individuals “aliens” in reference to immigration can carry negative or dehumanizing implications. In fictional or speculative writing, though, the term comfortably conjures otherworldly imagery and motifs. Whether describing cosmic visitors, unfamiliar customs, or legal statuses, “alien” underscores the sense of being foreign, unusual, or outside the norm, signaling a distinct separation or novelty.
Alternatives
If you’re addressing creatures from another planet, consider “extraterrestrial,” which specifically denotes origin outside Earth, providing a more formal or scientific flair. For discussing people from another country, “foreign national” or “immigrant” is often more respectful and precise in contemporary contexts. In describing concepts that feel strange or out of place, words like “unfamiliar,” “unusual,” or “novel” capture similar meaning without implying sharp otherness. “Strange” or “odd” can stand in when discussing something bizarre, though they may add a subjective judgment. “Unknown” highlights the lack of knowledge, whereas “outlandish” suggests something outrageously unconventional. When referring to cultural differences in a more positive light—something intriguing rather than hostile—you might opt for “exotic,” though this term, too, has connotations that may be sensitive in certain settings. Select words based on how literal or metaphorical you wish to be, as well as the emotional or social tone you seek to convey. Each alternative shapes how drastically you frame the separation or distinction from what’s considered typical or expected.
Writing
When writing about “alien,” clarify the form of otherness you mean. In sci-fi, detail the biological traits or advanced technology that distinguishes alien beings from humans, enriching world-building and highlighting any cultural or moral contrasts. For legal or political commentary, contextualize how immigration policies define or label non-citizens, noting the shift toward less stigmatizing terminology. If describing a sense of unfamiliarity—like a new job environment feeling alien—include tangible details that show how practices, norms, or technologies differ from what’s standard. Vary the term if you frequently address external or foreign entities: sometimes use synonyms or a more specific label (e.g., “foreign concept,” “extraterrestrial organism,” or “unprecedented approach”). A combination of “alien” and descriptive language—appearance, origins, or cultural gaps—gives readers the lens through which they can interpret foreignness. Avoid overusing “alien” to the point of vagueness; instead, pair it with concrete, illustrative context so that the idea of unfamiliarity feels vivid and purposeful. By weaving in how characters respond—fear, curiosity, or awe—you deepen engagement with the concept of “alien,” making it a strong narrative or analytical pivot.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, “alien” might pop up when talking about science fiction or referencing something that feels completely new and strange: “Trying to use this new phone is so alien to me!” When friends discuss an intriguing film about space invaders, they might say, “Let’s watch that alien movie tonight.” Occasionally, “alien” is used hyperbolically to describe an unfamiliar habit or lifestyle—“Your morning smoothie routine is totally alien to me.” Be cautious, though, if you’re referring to a person from another country, as labeling them an “alien” can sound outdated or offensive, especially if you mean it literally. Instead, it’s more common to say someone is “from another country” or “an international visitor.” Lighthearted remarks about new experiences—foods, gadgets, or customs—can turn to phrases like “It seems so alien” to underscore how disorienting or surprising the encounter is. Generally, in a friendly chat, you can safely use “alien” about fictional extraterrestrials or to highlight personal unfamiliarity with an activity, but be mindful to avoid confusion or negative implications when people are the subject.
Etymology
The word “alien” traces back to the Latin “alienus,” meaning “belonging to another,” which originated from “alius,” meaning “other.” In medieval Latin and Old French, this term evolved into descriptors for someone or something that was foreign, different, or unfamiliar—like territory outside one’s home region or concepts outside one’s natural understanding. Over time, legal contexts adopted “alien” for noncitizens living in a country, which extended into English law and American immigration terminology. Meanwhile, the modern notion of “alien” as an extraterrestrial being emerged alongside scientific and speculative fiction in the 19th and 20th centuries, capitalizing on humanity’s curiosity about life beyond Earth. In both older legal usage and contemporary sci-fi, the core meaning remains the same: something is “alien” if it is not native or inherent to one’s usual place or experience, emphasizing otherness or external origins.