martian
|mar-ti-an|
🇺🇸
/ˈmɑrʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˈmɑːʃən/
from Mars; inhabitant of Mars
Etymology
'martian' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'Martis', where 'Mart-' referred to 'Mars' (the Roman god and the planet) and the suffix '-ian' meant 'belonging to or relating to'.
'martian' changed from New Latin or Medieval Latin 'Martianus' and later entered English as 'martian' to denote something of or from Mars.
Initially, it meant 'of or relating to Mars'; over time it also came to mean 'an inhabitant of Mars' and, figuratively, 'strange or otherworldly'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a hypothetical or fictional inhabitant of the planet Mars.
Classic science fiction novels often imagined Martians with advanced technologies.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a person who seems very strange, unfamiliar, or out of place (figurative).
When he joined the team, he felt like a Martian among colleagues.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
relating to the planet Mars.
Researchers studied Martian soil samples returned by the probe.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
very strange, unfamiliar, or otherworldly (figurative).
The building's design looked almost Martian to the visitors.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/16 19:17