alien

¹alien

adj \ˈā-lē-ən, ˈāl-yən\

Definition of ALIEN

1

a : belonging or relating to another person, place, or thing : strange b : relating, belonging, or owing allegiance to another country or government : foreign c : exotic 1

2

: differing in nature or character typically to the point of incompatibility

— alien·ly adverb

— alien·ness \-lē-ən-nəs, -yən-nəs\ noun

Examples of ALIEN

1. <new immigrants with customs alien to the community where they have settled>
2. <it's completely alien to her nature to wish evil of anyone>

Origin of ALIEN

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin alienus, from alius

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ALIEN

Synonyms: foreign, nonnative

Antonyms: domestic, native

Related Words: imported, introduced, naturalized, transplanted; external, international, multiculti, multicultural, multilateral, multinational; foreign-born, nonindigenous; distant, far-off, overseas, remote; bizarre, exotic, outlandish, strange

Near Antonyms: endemic, local; aboriginal, indigenous

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at extrinsic