beta

IPA/ˈbiːtə/
KK[bˈetə]IPA/ˈbeɪtə/

beta — noun

1. the Greek symbol that comes after alpha, written as B in capitals and β in lower

1.nounC1
Definition

the Greek symbol that comes after alpha, written as B in capitals and β in lowercase.

Example

Ms. Wu wrote beta beside the angle on the classroom screen.

beta as a written Greek-letter symbol

In the chart, beta stands between alpha and gamma.

position in the Greek alphabet

Common collocations
  • Greek letter beta
  • beta symbol
  • alpha and beta

Grammar Patterns

the Greek letter beta

beta between alpha and gamma

Usage Note

Often written as the symbol β in maths and science texts. Learners also meet it when Greek letters are used to label steps, angles, or options.

Common Mistakes

The second letter of the English alphabet is beta.
The second letter of the English alphabet is B; beta belongs to the Greek alphabet.
beta names a Greek letter, not an English one.

2. a nearly finished form of software or another product that selected users try be

2.nounC1
Definition

a nearly finished form of software or another product that selected users try before the full public release.

Example

The company invited 500 players to try the beta this weekend.

join or try + the beta

Mina found two bugs while using the beta of the map app.

beta of + product

Common collocations
  • public beta
  • closed beta
  • download the beta
  • join the beta
Synonyms
  • preview

    broader; can mean any early look, not always a bug-testing stage

  • test build

    technical; common among developers and game players

  • prototype

    often earlier and less complete than a beta

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

join the beta

beta of + product

public beta

Usage Note

Usually countable, often with words like 'public', 'closed', or the product name. Distinguish from adjective/1: this sense names the version itself, while adjective/1 describes a product as being in that stage.

Common Mistakes

The company released beta of the app yesterday.
The company released a beta of the app yesterday.
beta is usually a countable noun and needs an article or another determiner.
I joined the beta software last night.
I used the beta software last night.' or 'I joined the beta test last night.
beta names the version, while beta test names the testing activity.

beta — adjective

Word family

  • beta-test
    verbC1
  • beta tester
    nounC1
  • beta testing
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

For software and devices, 'beta' names a version that is close to release but still being tried by real users. 'Alpha' is earlier and rougher, and it is often kept inside the company. 'Preview' is broader: it can mean a beta, but it may also be only a first look with limited features. 'Prototype' focuses on proving an idea or design, so it can be much less complete than a beta. 'Trial version' is different again: it is often a finished product with a time limit, not an unfinished build. Compare: 'I joined the public beta of the game' suggests helping to test bugs, while 'I downloaded the trial version' suggests normal use before paying.

alpha ↗preview ↗prototype ↗trial version

Etymology

SemiticAncient GreekEnglish

English took 'beta' from Greek beta, the name of the second Greek letter. Greek beta goes back to an older Semitic letter name often written as beth, linked historically to the idea of a house. Because beta marks the second item in a series, modern English later used it for the second main testing stage of a product, after alpha. From that contrast, the word also developed an informal label for people seen as less dominant than an 'alpha' type.