different between unalienable vs inalienable

English

Etymology

un- +? alienable.

Adjective

unalienable (comparative more unalienable, superlative most unalienable)

1. Not alienable.
   • 1776, July 4th, United States Declaration of Independence

     We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Usage notes

Generally considered interchangeable with inalienable, even in legal settings. In the past occasionally distinguished but not specifically contrasted with inalienable; see inalienable: usage notes for details.

Synonyms

• inalienable

English

Etymology

Borrowed around 1645 from French inaliénable, from in- + aliénable (“alienable”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /??ne?.l?.?.n?.b?l/
• (US) IPA^(key): /??ne?.li.?.n?.b?l/

Adjective

inalienable (not comparable)

1. Incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred to another; not alienable.

   inalienable right a right that cannot be given away

2. (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.

Usage notes

While inalienable and unalienable are today used interchangeably (with inalienable the more common) the terms have historically sometimes been distinguished.

Synonyms

• unalienable

Antonyms

• (incapable of being alienated): alienable

Translations

References

Spanish

Adjective

inalienable (plural inalienables)

1. inalienable