# ALI

/ˈɑɫi/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ali
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. historical figure

noun · CEFR B2

Ali ibn Abi Talib, a very important leader in early Islam and the first Imam for Shia Muslims.

For teachers: The fourth Caliph and first Shia Imam, Ali ibn Abi Talib, whose life and leadership are central to Islamic history and theology.

- Many students study the life of Ali to understand the early history of Islam.
- The theological distinctions between Sunni and Shia Islam often centre on the historical role and succession of Ali after the Prophet Muhammad.

### 2. Arabic name

noun · CEFR A2

a common male name or family name that comes from the Arabic word for high or noble.

For teachers: A masculine given name or surname of Arabic origin, etymologically derived from the root meaning 'high', 'exalted', or 'noble'.

- Ali is one of the most popular names for boys in the Middle East.
- The professor, Dr. Ali, published several influential papers on the economic development of the Gulf region during the late twentieth century.

### 3. short name for Alison/Alistair

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a short, friendly way to say names like Alison or Alistair.

For teachers: A diminutive or hypocoristic form of the English given names Alison (feminine) or Alistair (masculine).

- Everyone at the office calls her Ali instead of Alison.
- Although his legal name was Alistair, he introduced himself as Ali to his teammates to foster a more casual atmosphere.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.