Meaning & Definition of word "Alpha"
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Alpha
/ˈæl.fə/
noun:
- 1. The first letter of the Greek alphabet, written as 'Α' in uppercase and 'α' in lowercase.
- Example: In mathematics, the alpha symbol is often used to represent angles.
- 2. A dominant individual in a group, especially in animal behavior.
- Example: The alpha wolf led the pack in their hunt for food.
- 3. A term used in finance to indicate an investment's performance relative to a benchmark.
- Example: The fund manager claimed to have generated a significant alpha over the index.
adjective:
- 1. Indicating a dominant position or ranking.
- Example: In the social hierarchy, she was considered the alpha female of the group.
- 2. Referring to the first or most significant in a series.
- Example: The alpha version of the software is available for testing.
Etymology
From the Greek 'alpha', the first letter of their alphabet.
Common Phrases and Expressions
alpha male:
A man who is seen as a dominant leader among a group.
alpha test:
The first phase of testing a product before it is released more widely.
alpha and omega:
The beginning and the end; the entirety of something.
Related Words
beta:
The second letter of the Greek alphabet; often used to refer to a second version or phase.
leader:
A person who leads or commands a group.
dominance:
The state of being in control or exerting power over others.
Slang Meanings of alpha
Meaning: A term used to describe a highly competitive and assertive person.
Example Sentence: He's so alpha; he always has to be the best in everything.
Meaning: Used in dating contexts to refer to attractive, confident men.
Example Sentence: She only dates alpha types who can take charge.