Inalienable: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：not transferable (inalienable)

inalienable 🔊

/ɪˈneɪliənəbəl/

adj.

Something that cannot be taken from you or given away by you, like your life or freedom.

Inalienable rights concept diverse hands protecting glowing document

not transferable 🔊

➕

/nɒt trænsˈfɜːrəbəl/

adj.

Refers to a right or quality that is inherent and cannot be removed, transferred, or surrendered.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

in- (not) + Latin alienare (to transfer); meaning not transferable.

💡 Mnemonic

In- = not; alien = other. Inalienable: cannot be given to another.

📖 Example

Every child is born with the inalienable right to education, which should never be denied. 🔊 Every child is born with the inalienable right to education, which should never be denied.

🔗 Collocations

inalienable rights – Rights that cannot be taken away or surrendered.

inalienable dignity – Inherent worth that cannot be removed from a person.

inalienable part of – A component that cannot be separated or removed.

🔄 Synonyms

inviolable (adj.) – Something that must be kept safe from harm or violation, similar to inalienable in being untouchable.

unalienable (adj.) – A variant spelling of inalienable, meaning the same: not capable of being transferred or surrendered.

non-negotiable (adj.) – Not open to discussion or change, used for rights or conditions that are fixed and cannot be forfeited.

🚫 Antonyms

alienable (adj.) – Capable of being transferred or surrendered to another.

transferable (adj.) – Able to be passed from one person or entity to another.

relinquishable (adj.) – Capable of being voluntarily given up or abandoned.

🌱 Derivatives

inalienability (n.) – The state or quality of being inalienable.

inalienably (adv.) – In a manner that cannot be transferred or taken away.

📖 Cultural Story

Rooted in Latin 'inalienabilis' (in- 'not' + alienabilis 'transferable'). Famous in the U.S. Declaration of Independence as 'unalienable Rights,' meaning rights that cannot be surrendered.