B2 verb Neutral

alias

/ˈeɪ.li.əs/

To assign an alternative name or shortcut to a command, file, or electronic record to simplify access or organization. In technical contexts, it also refers to the process of mapping one identifier to another to hide complexity or maintain legacy compatibility.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I decided to alias my most frequently used terminal commands to save time during development.

I decided to alias my most frequently used terminal commands to save time during development.

2

The system administrator will alias the old server address to the new one to ensure a smooth transition.

The system administrator will alias the old server address to the new one to ensure a smooth transition.

3

You should alias that long directory path so you can jump to it in just one keystroke.

You should alias that long directory path so you can jump to it in just one keystroke.

Word Family

Noun
alias
Verb
alias
Adjective
aliased
Related
aliasing
💡

Memory Tip

Think of an Alias as an 'Alternative Label In A System' (A-L-I-A-S).

Quick Quiz

To make the software easier to use, the developers decided to ___ the complex internal codes to user-friendly names.

Correct!

The correct answer is: alias

Examples

1

I decided to alias my most frequently used terminal commands to save time during development.

everyday

I decided to alias my most frequently used terminal commands to save time during development.

2

The system administrator will alias the old server address to the new one to ensure a smooth transition.

formal

The system administrator will alias the old server address to the new one to ensure a smooth transition.

3

You should alias that long directory path so you can jump to it in just one keystroke.

informal

You should alias that long directory path so you can jump to it in just one keystroke.

4

In this mathematical model, we alias the variables to reflect their functional relationships more clearly.

academic

In this mathematical model, we alias the variables to reflect their functional relationships more clearly.

5

Our database allows users to alias legacy client IDs to their modern counterparts for reporting purposes.

business

Our database allows users to alias legacy client IDs to their modern counterparts for reporting purposes.

Word Family

Noun
alias
Verb
alias
Adjective
aliased
Related
aliasing

Common Collocations

alias a command alias a command
alias an email address alias an email address
alias a file path alias a file path
automatically alias automatically alias
alias for convenience alias for convenience

Common Phrases

alias as

alias as

set an alias

set an alias

remove an alias

remove an alias

Often Confused With

alias vs pseudonym

An alias is often a technical mapping or alternative identifier, whereas a pseudonym is specifically a false name used by an author or person to conceal identity.

📝

Usage Notes

While 'alias' is most commonly known as a noun or adverb, using it as a verb is standard in computing and data management. It describes the intentional act of creating a link between two names.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'alias' as a verb in general social contexts (e.g., 'He aliased his name to John'), which sounds unnatural; use 'went by the name' or 'used the alias' instead.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of an Alias as an 'Alternative Label In A System' (A-L-I-A-S).

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'alias', meaning 'at another time' or 'otherwise'.

Grammar Patterns

transitive verb past tense: aliased present participle: aliasing
🌍

Cultural Context

In modern digital culture, aliasing is a fundamental concept in coding (bash/zsh) and database management to streamline workflows.

Quick Quiz

To make the software easier to use, the developers decided to ___ the complex internal codes to user-friendly names.

Correct!

The correct answer is: alias

Related Words

pale

A1

Describes something that has very little color or is much lighter than usual. It is often used to describe a person's face when they are ill or a color that is mixed with a lot of white.

lung

A1

The lungs are two organs inside your chest that you use to breathe. They bring oxygen into your body and remove carbon dioxide when you breathe out.

tropical

A1

Relating to the hot regions of the Earth near the equator. It describes weather that is very warm and wet, or plants and animals that come from these areas.

trader

A1

A trader is a person whose job is to buy and sell goods, stocks, or other items for profit. They can work in a small local market or on large international financial exchanges.

indoor

A1

Describes something that is located, happens, or is used inside a building rather than outside. It is an adjective used before a noun to talk about activities or objects protected from the weather.

threshold

A1

A threshold is the physical area at the bottom of a doorway that you step over to enter a room or building. It also refers to the level or point at which something starts to happen or changes.

tribute

A1

A tribute is something that you say, do, or give to show your respect and admiration for someone. It is often a public act used to honor a person's life, work, or memory.

elder

A1

Used to describe a person who is older than another, especially within a family. It is also used to refer to people who have a high status or more experience because of their age.

russian

A1

Relating to Russia, its people, its language, or its culture. It describes things that come from or are connected to the largest country in the world.

southeastern

A1

Located in or coming from the direction between south and east. It describes a place, a region, or a wind that is in the corner between the bottom and the right on a map.

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