Word
alias
US/ˈeɪɫiəs/
UK/ˈeɪliəs/
Definitions
01a false name
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Law
n. a false name that a person uses, often to hide who they really are.
n. a false or assumed name, typically used to conceal one's true identity.
“The spy traveled across the border using an alias and a fake passport.”
“The suspect had operated under several different aliases for years, making it nearly impossible for the authorities to track his financial history.”
02computing shortcut
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a short name or command that stands for a longer one to save time.
n. a user-defined shortcut or abbreviation that represents a longer command or string of commands.
“I created an alias for that long command so I only have to type two letters.”
“By setting up an alias in the shell configuration, the developer significantly reduced the time spent on repetitive directory navigation.”
03also known as
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. used to introduce a second name that someone is known by.
adv. used to indicate that a person or thing is also known by another name.
“The famous criminal, alias 'The Fox', was finally caught yesterday.”
“The document listed the defendant as Robert Miller, alias 'Bobby the Gent', to ensure all known identities were legally recognized.”
Usage
Usually placed between the primary name and the secondary name.
04to give a second name
C2 · Proficiency Computing Technical
v. to give a file or a piece of data a second, easier name.
v. to assign an alternative identifier to a data object or command.
“You can alias this complex database column to make the report easier to read.”
“The software allows users to alias network drives, providing a consistent path regardless of the underlying hardware configuration.”
Real-World Examples
“They said members of the group used social media websites, online dating websites, and internet-based phone calls to find and talk with victims in the US while using a number of aliases.” “On 7th September, Europol updated its list to include Vega, known by his criminal alias El Tigre (The Tiger).” Etymology
From Latin alias (“at another time; at another place, elsewhere, under other circumstances, otherwise”). See else and alien.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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