Foreign is that which belongs to another individual: Pedro's telephone number is foreign to Jorge and Luis.
Alien is an adjective derived from the Latin word aliēnus which, in turn, comes from alĭus (a term that can be translated as “ other ” ). The alien is that which belongs to another individual or that results from characteristics different from one's own .
For example: “When I was little, my mother taught me that I should never keep other people's things,” “I believe that the president cannot remain oblivious to this situation: if the unemployment rate continues to grow, the country will enter a deep crisis.” ” , “I have always tried to stay away from controversies” .
Examples of foreign
The idea of alien can be applied to material objects . A person has belongings: items and products that they purchased or were given as gifts and that therefore belong to them. If a guy named Juan buys a phone, said phone is his. For Martín or Pedro , to name two other people , that phone number in question is foreign. That's why if Martín or Pedro take Juan 's phone, they will have committed a robbery .
The foreign can also be something of a different condition or that is strange . An Argentinian who lives in the United States may refuse to participate in the Halloween celebration , claiming that for him said celebration is “alien” to his feelings. In this sense, the individual does not experience any identification with the event for cultural reasons, since in his homeland no attention was paid to the date. This consideration of Halloween as something foreign is due to customs and traditions, in turn related to the history of the people.
The Halloween celebration is foreign to Latin culture.
The concept and the animals
Although many strive to highlight the differences between our species and others, the concept of outsider is something we share with animals.
Although in nature it is not so common for each individual to have belongings , animals that live with humans do appropriate various objects, such as toys and beds.
Outside the will
There are several expressions that include the term alien: one of the most common is "unrelated to someone's will" , which serves to explain that a situation is beyond the control of said person, who cannot do anything to make it end. or that he could not have brought about its beginning, since it took place beyond his actions.
Suppose a person has been working for a while in a company with very good performance: he always arrives first thing in the morning, completes all his tasks within the previously established deadlines, and his discipline is impeccable. Despite his impeccable performance, one day he is told that his contract will have to end at the end of the month, without him being able to anticipate this. Surprised and indignant, he goes to his supervisor to receive an explanation, and he responds , "I'm sorry, your dismissal was beyond my control ; The human resources department has been forced to make cuts due to lack of budget .
stay away
Staying distant from something, finally, is linked to staying away from it . The meaning of the expression is not positive or negative in itself, and can well be applied to attitudes of both types and even to situations that are halfway between both extremes. It is correct to say that a politician who wants to stay away from confrontations, for example, wants not to get into arguments or confrontations.
Not wanting to be involved in an argument between two other people can be a sign of respect towards them, to avoid causing interference in their relationship, but it can also speak of a lack of commitment , especially if your participation could help them solve the problem.