Alienable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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alienable

[ˈeɪliənəb(ə)l ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

legal term

Capable of being transferred or taken away from the owner. Said of property or rights that can be alienated.

Synonyms

disposable, sellable, transferable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
alienable	Used in legal or formal contexts to describe something that can be transferred to another person's ownership. The lawyer confirmed that the land is alienable and can be sold to the highest bidder.
transferable	Used to describe skills, assets, or rights that can be moved from one person or situation to another, often in more formal contexts. These skills are highly transferable and will be valuable in any job setting. The tickets are not transferable and must be used by the original purchaser.
disposable	Often used to describe items meant for single use or something non-essential that can be discarded. It can also refer to income that is freely available after necessary expenses. After paying all the bills, she used her disposable income to buy a new phone. Disposable cups are convenient for large gatherings.
sellable	Commonly used in everyday language to describe something that can be sold easily or is in demand. The handmade jewelry was very sellable, attracting many customers.

Examples of usage

The land was considered alienable and could be sold to the highest bidder.
In some countries, certain rights are inalienable, while in others they are considered alienable.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

In property law, 'alienable property' refers to assets that can be freely sold or transferred.
Not all property is alienable; for example, certain rights, like a life estate, may be restricted.
The concept is crucial in contracts, where the ability to transfer ownership can affect legal agreements.

Philosophical Implications

Discussions about ownership often lead to questions about personal identity and how possessions shape who we are.
Philosophers explore the moral implications of alienable rights, such as whether one can ethically sell their own rights or freedoms.
The distinction between alienable and inalienable rights (which cannot be sold) sparks debates in social justice.

Cultural References

Various cultures emphasize the importance of land ownership, leading to differing perspectives on what property can be alienated.
In some indigenous cultures, land and resources may be seen as inalienable, as they are tied to cultural identity.
Literature often reflects on the alienation of property, with characters facing dilemmas over their possessions and legacies.

Social Context

In economic discussions, the alienability of goods can impact market dynamics and ownership structures.
Debates about intellectual property often touch on what can be legally alienated in terms of ideas or inventions.
The rise of digital assets like NFTs (non-fungible tokens) raises questions about what it means to own something and transfer it.

Origin of 'alienable'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from the Latin word 'alienare,' which means 'to transfer ownership.'
It combines 'alienus,' meaning 'belonging to another,' emphasizing the idea of transferring rights.
In legal terms, the concept dates back to ancient Roman law where property rights were defined.

The word 'alienable' comes from the Latin word 'alienare', meaning 'to transfer ownership'. It has been used in legal contexts to describe property or rights that can be transferred or taken away from the owner. The concept of alienability has long been a key aspect of property law and has been subject to various interpretations and debates throughout history.

See also: alien, alienate, alienated, alienation.