inalienable

UK: ɪnˈeɪ.li.ə.nə.bəl | US: ɪnˈeɪ.li.ə.nə.bəl

Definition

  1. adj. incapable of being taken away or transferred to another

  2. adj. inherent and inseparable (e.g., rights)

Structure
in <not>alien <transfer>able <capable of>
Etymology

inalienable = in<not> + alien<transfer> + able<capable of>

  • in-: Prefix meaning "not" (from Latin in-).
  • alien: Root meaning "to transfer" (from Latin alienare, "to estrange or transfer ownership").
  • -able: Suffix meaning "capable of" (from Latin -abilis).

Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin inalienabilis, the word combines in- (negation) + alienare (to transfer) + -abilis (ability). It entered English via legal and philosophical contexts in the 17th century, emphasizing rights or properties that cannot be surrendered or separated (e.g., "inalienable human rights"). The morphemes logically progress from negation to transferability, reinforcing the concept of permanence.

Examples

  1. Freedom of speech is an inalienable right in democratic societies.

  2. The treaty declared the land inalienable to any foreign power.

  3. She believed creativity was an inalienable part of human nature.

  4. The constitution protects citizens' inalienable liberties.

  5. His moral principles were inalienable, even under pressure.