alien

Everyday

1. A creature from another planet, in stories and films. tree →
2. (adjective) Strange and very different from what you know. tree →
3. (formal, law) A person who lives in a country but is not a citizen of it. tree →
4. (science) An alien species is a plant or animal brought to a place where it does not naturally live. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and science fiction: aliens land on Earth. In science: alien or invasive species harm local wildlife. In everyday life: the city felt alien to her. Phrases: alien to, an alien world, alien species, illegal alien (offensive to many; prefer "undocumented person").

Examples

• In the film, aliens came down in a spaceship. tree →
• Scientists look for alien life on other planets. tree →
• The big city felt alien to the boy from the farm. tree →
• Rabbits are an alien species in Australia. tree →
• Cheating is alien to her nature. tree →
• The alien had three eyes and green skin. tree →

Note

"An alien" (vowel sound). The legal sense can sound unkind when used about people; many prefer "foreign national" or "immigrant". No real aliens have been found — they are in stories so far. Verb: alienate (make someone feel left out).

In Jewish tradition

The Passover offering could not be eaten by a foreign resident who was not circumcised and joined to the covenant.

Interpretation. Tradition reads this to mean only those within the covenant took part in the Passover. A convert who joined Israel could eat it.

Examples

• And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron: 'This is the ordinance of the passover: there shall no alien eat thereof; (Torah EXO.12.43, JPS 1917) tree →
• Our inheritance is turned unto strangers, our houses unto aliens. (Writings LAM.5.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• To keep thee from the evil woman, from the smoothness of the alien tongue. (Writings PRO.6.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. (Writings PSA.69.9, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

"An alien" (vowel sound). The legal sense can sound unkind when used about people; many prefer "foreign national" or "immigrant". No real aliens have been found — they are in stories so far. Verb: alienate (make someone feel left out).