Earthling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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earthling
[หษrฮธlษชล ]
Definitions
in science fiction
A human inhabitant of the planet Earth.
Examples of usage
- He was the only Earthling on the spaceship.
- The Earthling looked up at the alien spacecraft in wonder.
informal
A person from Earth, especially when considered in relation to inhabitants of other planets.
Examples of usage
- The Earthling marveled at the technology of the extraterrestrial beings.
- She felt like a tiny Earthling in a vast universe.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In science fiction, earthlings often represent humans as seen from the perspective of aliens, highlighting our uniqueness in the universe.
- Movies like 'Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas' playfully use the term to differentiate humans from fictional extraterrestrial characters.
Science
- In astronomy, earthlings refer specifically to humans, emphasizing our biological and environmental connections to Earth.
- Earth's unique atmosphere and conditions make it home to billions of earthlings, unlike any other known planet.
Literature
- In science fiction literature, earthlings are often depicted in stories involving interstellar travel, exploring themes of humanity's place in the cosmos.
- Authors like Douglas Adams in 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' humorously represent earthlings as quirky and often oblivious to their surroundings.
Psychology
- The term evokes discussions about identity and the human experience, especially when considering what it means to be from Earth.
- Earthlings might symbolize a collective consciousness, urging humans to unite in caring for the planet.
Origin of 'earthling'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'earthling' combines 'Earth', which derives from Old English 'eorรพe', meaning ground or soil, and 'ling', a suffix used to denote someone belonging to.
- The word appeared in literature as early as the 19th century, emphasizing a connection to the planet in a whimsical way.
The term 'Earthling' originated in science fiction literature in the mid-20th century to refer to humans as inhabitants of the planet Earth. It is a combination of 'Earth' and the suffix '-ling,' which denotes a person belonging to a particular place or group. The concept of Earthlings has since been popularized in popular culture, especially in the context of space exploration and encounters with extraterrestrial beings.
See also: earth, earthen, earthenware, earthing, earthly, earthmover, earthquake, earthworm, earthy, unearth, unearthing.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,761, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.
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- 40758 corruptness
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- 40760 potful
- 40761 earthling
- 40762 crumpet
- 40763 naughtily
- 40764 appeaser
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