Alias

Definition

Alias is a noun that refers to an assumed or alternative name used by a person, group, or entity, often to conceal identity or for ease of reference; it can also function as a verb meaning to use such a name.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /əˈlaɪ.əs/
• Respelling: uh-LIE-uhs

British English

• IPA: /əˈlaɪ.əs/
• Respelling: uh-LIE-uhs

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Old French alias ‘otherwise’, from Latin aliās ‘at another time, otherwise’, variant of alius ‘other’.

Derivatives

• aliased (verb)
• aliasing (verb/noun)

Synonyms

• pseudonym
• moniker
• byname
• handle
• sobriquet

Antonyms

• given name
• real name
• birth name

Usage

The noun "alias" is used when someone adopts an alternative name for privacy, legal, or stylistic reasons. For example, "The author wrote under the alias 'J.D. Robb.'" As a verb: "The system can alias one command to another for convenience."

Related Terms

• Pseudonym: A fictitious name used by an author or artist.
• Sobriquet: A descriptive or humorous nickname.
• Pen name: An author’s adopted name.
• Moniker: An informal or colloquial name.
• Handle: A name used online or in informal contexts.
• Stage name: A performer’s professional name.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An assumed name used by an individual or group – adopted for privacy, concealment, or stylistic effect.
  • Example: "He was arrested under the alias 'The Phantom.'"
• An alternate identifier in computing or databases – a secondary name or label referring to the same object.
  • Example: "In SQL, you can use an alias to rename a column in a query result."

Verb

• To assign or use an alternative name – to refer to someone or something by an alias.
  • Example: "The configuration file aliases the long path for easier access."