Is 'aleph' an English word?

It is a loanword from Hebrew, used in English within specific technical contexts, primarily in mathematics and linguistics.

How do you pronounce 'aleph'?

It is pronounced /ˈɑːlɪf/ (AH-lif), with stress on the first syllable.

What does 'aleph-null' mean?

Aleph-null (ℵ₀) is the mathematical symbol for the cardinality (size) of the set of all natural numbers, representing the smallest type of infinity.

Can I use 'aleph' in everyday conversation?

It is highly unlikely to be relevant or understood in everyday conversation, as it is a very specialised term.

Is “aleph” formal?

Aleph is usually technical/academic in register.

aleph: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

low

UK/ˈɑːlɪf/US/ˈɑːlɪf/

technical/academic

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “aleph” mean?

The first letter of the Hebrew and other Semitic alphabets.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The first letter of the Hebrew and other Semitic alphabets.

A concept in mathematics, particularly set theory, referring to a series of transfinite cardinal numbers used to denote the sizes of infinite sets (aleph-null, aleph-one, etc.).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in usage.

Connotations

No regional connotations.

Frequency

Identically low frequency in both varieties; understood primarily by specialists.

Grammar

How to Use “aleph” in a Sentence

the aleph (of) a setaleph followed by a subscript

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

aleph-nullaleph-onealeph number

medium

letter alephHebrew alephcardinal aleph

weak

transfinite alephancient alephmathematical aleph

Examples

Examples of “aleph” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

The aleph symbol is ancient.
He studies aleph numbers.

American English

The aleph character is ancient.
She researched aleph cardinality.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used.

Academic

Used in linguistics (for the alphabet) and advanced mathematics (set theory).

Everyday

Extremely uncommon; likely unknown to most speakers.

Technical

The primary domain of usage, especially in mathematics and Semitic studies.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “aleph”

Neutral

first Hebrew letterHebrew A

Weak

symbol character

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “aleph”

omega (as the last Hebrew letter)

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “aleph”

Pronouncing it like 'alpha' (/'ælfə/).
Confusing it with the similar-sounding 'aleph' in 'aleph-bet' (the Hebrew alphabet name) for general English 'alphabet'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is a loanword from Hebrew, used in English within specific technical contexts, primarily in mathematics and linguistics.
: It is pronounced /ˈɑːlɪf/ (AH-lif), with stress on the first syllable.
: Aleph-null (ℵ₀) is the mathematical symbol for the cardinality (size) of the set of all natural numbers, representing the smallest type of infinity.
: It is highly unlikely to be relevant or understood in everyday conversation, as it is a very specialised term.
: The first letter of the Hebrew and other Semitic alphabets.
: Aleph is usually technical/academic in register.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Aleph is the 'A' of Hebrew, like Alpha is for Greek.

Conceptual Metaphor

The beginning (of an alphabet, of a counting system for infinities).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In set theory, denotes the smallest infinite cardinal number.

Multiple Choice

In which field is the term 'aleph' most commonly used?