Inalienable
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ɪˈneɪ.lɪ.ə.nə.bəl/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Inalienable is an adjective meaning Not subject to being alienated, that is, surrendered, taken away, or transferred to another.
Meaning
Not subject to being alienated, that is, surrendered, taken away, or transferred to another.
More Meanings
- (grammar) Of or pertaining to a noun belonging to a special class in which the possessive construction differs from the norm, especially for particular familial relationships and body parts, regarding permanence.
Example Sentences
Near-synonyms: indelible, unsurrenderable, permanent
An inalienable right is a right that cannot be given away nor taken away.
Just as some languages have a "be" for permanent states (which are essential) and a different "be" for temporary states (which are incidental), some languages have a "have" for unchangeable possession (which is inalienable) and a different "have" for changeable possession (which is alienable).
Synonyms for inalienable
Depending on context, synonyms include unalienable, indelible, unsurrenderable, permanent, inviolable, infrangible.
Antonyms for inalienable
Common opposites include alienable.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include infrangible, indefeasible, inviolable, untransferable, nontransferable, absolute.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.