Alias
/ˈeɪliəs/
nounBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
A different name used to conceal one's true identity.
/ˈeɪliəs/
nounneutralBeginner
General
A false or assumed name.
He went by the alias 'Jack'.
💡 Simply: A fake name.
More Examples
2
The criminal used many aliases.
How It's Used
Law
"He used the alias 'John Smith' to avoid detection."
Literature
"The spy operated under several aliases."
From Latin *alias* meaning "otherwise", "elsewhere", or "at another time". It entered English through legal usage, referring to a false name.
The word's use has remained consistent throughout history, primarily in legal and literary contexts.
Memory tip
Think 'a lie as' - it's another name, a lie about your identity.
Practice
alias'aliesalayas
Usage
20%Spoken
80%Written