B2noun2K

Alien

UK /["/ˈeɪliən/"]/US /["/ˈeɪliən/"]/

Definition

a person who is not a citizen of the country in which they live or work

In simple words: A creature from another planet.

Examples

  • an **illegal alien**
  • During the war, he was imprisoned as an enemy alien.
  • It is illegal for employers to hire aliens not authorized for employment.
  • The provisions would broaden the government's ability to deport aliens.
  • aliens from outer space
  • Do you genuinely believe that space aliens have landed on our planet?
  • Few movies represent intelligent aliens as physically different from humans.
  • He was convinced that he'd been abducted by aliens.
  • In the movie aliens invade Earth.

Usage notes

Use 'alien' in contexts related to outer space or when talking about someone or something very different from the usual. Avoid using it in serious legal contexts where 'alien' refers to a foreign national.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'alien' like an 'alien' visitor from outer space wearing a costume.

Collocations

  • enemy
  • illegal
  • undocumented
  • deport
  • apprehend
  • arrest
  • space
  • giant
  • intelligent
  • abduct
  • kidnap
  • invade

Synonyms

  • extraterrestrial
  • foreigner
  • outlander
  • unknown being
  • mysterious creature

Antonyms

  • native
  • local

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'alien' with 'foreigner' in legal contexts.
  • Using 'alien' to describe someone from a different culture without context.
  • Overusing 'alien' in everyday conversation when simpler terms like 'stranger' might fit.