Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/ɔːlt/ (awlt)

Definitions

• Adjective: Alternative, substitute, or secondary.
• Noun: The "Alt" key on a computer keyboard used to activate alternate functions.
• Verb: To change or replace with another option.

Usage Examples

• "I need an alt text description for the image."
• "Press the Alt key to access additional functions."
• "She decided to alt her route due to the traffic jam."

Etymology

The word "alt" is derived from the Latin "alter," meaning "other" or "another," used in computing to denote an alternate function or key.

Synonyms

• Alternative
• Substitute
• Choice
• Other

Antonyms

• Same
• Identical
• Original

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "alt" remains largely consistent globally, though regional accents may influence the exact sound. In non-English languages, the pronunciation typically adapts to the phonetic norms of the language.

Historical Usage

In computing, the "Alt" key was introduced with early personal computers in the 1980s as a means to provide alternate commands when combined with other keys, like "Ctrl." The term "alt" has since expanded into a general term for alternatives and substitutes in various contexts.

Cultural Nuances

In modern technology, the term "alt" has become synonymous with alternative choices in digital and social media platforms, representing options or substitutes to the mainstream. In online culture, the term "alt" is also used in the context of "alt accounts," where users maintain secondary online identities.

More Information

The term "alt" is used in a variety of contexts beyond computing, from alternative forms of music to alternative lifestyles. In the tech world, the "Alt" key remains a pivotal part of user interface design, facilitating access to hidden or secondary functions, and is integral to keyboard shortcuts across various operating systems.