alt key: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighTechnical / Informal
Quick answer
What does “alt key” mean?
A modifier key on a computer keyboard, labeled 'Alt', used to change the function of other keys when pressed in combination with them.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A modifier key on a computer keyboard, labeled 'Alt', used to change the function of other keys when pressed in combination with them.
A key used primarily to access alternate characters, shortcuts, or functions in software applications, often serving a similar purpose to the Option key on macOS keyboards.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
There are no significant linguistic differences in the term itself. Keyboard hardware may have slight layout variations (e.g., the position of the 'Alt' key relative to the spacebar can differ between ISO and ANSI layouts). The terminology is identical.
Connotations
None.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both British and American English computing contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “alt key” in a Sentence
Press the [Alt key] + [Letter/Number]Hold down the [Alt key] while clickingUse the [Alt key] to accessVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alt key” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You need to alt-tab between the programmes.
- Remember to alt-click on that icon to see the menu.
American English
- You need to alt-tab between the programs.
- Remember to alt-click on that icon to see the menu.
adjective
British English
- The alt-key function is not working.
- Check the alt-key shortcut settings.
American English
- The alt key function is not working.
- Check the alt key shortcut settings.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for software shortcuts to improve workflow efficiency, e.g., 'Use Alt-Tab to switch between your spreadsheet and email.'
Academic
Mentioned in computer science or human-computer interaction texts regarding input devices and user interface design.
Everyday
Common in instructions for using a PC, e.g., 'To print, hold the Alt key and press P.'
Technical
Central to describing keyboard shortcuts, ASCII/Unicode entry (Alt codes), and accessibility features like Sticky Keys.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alt key”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alt key”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alt key”
- Pronouncing it as 'alt' (like 'halt' without the 'h') instead of /ɔːlt/ or /ɑlt/.
- Forgetting it's a 'modifier' key that must be used with another key.
- Confusing it with the 'Alt Gr' key (Alt Graph) on some international keyboards.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It stands for 'Alternate'.
They serve very similar purposes. The 'Alt' key is standard on Windows and many other keyboards, while the 'Option' key is found on Apple Macintosh keyboards. Their functions are largely equivalent.
The Alt key is a modifier key. It is designed to change the output of another key when both are pressed together, not to perform an action by itself (though in some applications, a single press might activate a menu).
Short for 'Alt Graph'. It is a key found on some international keyboards, primarily used to type characters not normally available on the keyboard layout, such as currency symbols or accented letters.
A modifier key on a computer keyboard, labeled 'Alt', used to change the function of other keys when pressed in combination with them.
Alt key is usually technical / informal in register.
Alt key: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɔːlt ˈkiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɔlt ˈki/ or /ˌɑlt ˈki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Alt-tab (to switch between applications)”
- “Alt-F4 (common shortcut to close a window)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Alt' as 'ALTERNATE action' – it ALTERS what the other keys do.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SHIFT KEY FOR FUNCTIONS (like the Shift key changes letter case, the Alt key changes key functions).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the Alt key?