English Lexicon

alpha male

/ˈælfə meɪl/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #2500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

1 sense
As noun
  1. 1

    A dominant male in a group or social hierarchy, often characterized by assertiveness, confidence, and leadership qualities.

    "He tried to act like the alpha male of the group during the meeting."

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Synonyms (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Coined from ethological studies of animal behavior, specifically wolves, where the 'alpha' designates the dominant animal in a pack, later extended to human social and behavioral psychology.

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