also

Known by another name or description. Often abbreviated "AKA" or "a.k.a." both in speech and in writing. The Affordable Care Act, also known as "Obamacare," came into effect in 2014.

Someone who is unimportant or unsuccessful. The phrase originated in horse racing. That guy is definitely an also-ran—his best days in the league are far behind him.

Being, doing, or having one thing as well as something else. She not only speaks five languages, but she is an extraordinary pianist as well. The city is not only very cool and trendy, but also surprisingly affordable.

Used to refer a reader to another work that is related to the topic being discussed. Watkin's interpretation of this scene from Hamlet clearly supports the theory. See also the analysis by J. R. Prewitt on the matter.

proverb It is sometimes as important, praiseworthy, or purposeful to be patient, idle, or inactive as to be at the forefront of some activity. I dedicate this song to anyone who has a family member or loved one serving in the military, for they also serve who only stand and wait. I know you may feel like you're unimportant when you're on the sidelines during the game, but we rely on you just as much as those who start on the field from the very first whistle. Remember that they also serve who only stand and wait.

someone of no significance. (From horse racing, used of a horse that finishes a race but that does not finish among the money winners.) Oh, he's just another also-ran. Ignore the also-rans.

Prov. Sometimes you must be patient and do nothing, even though you would like to be actively helping. (From John Milton's poem, "On His Blindness.") Jill: Can I help? Jane: No, we've got enough people helping. Jill: But I want to help. Jane: They also serve who only stand and wait.

Loser, failure, unsuccessful individual, as in Jane feared that her candidate, a terrible speaker, would end up as an also-ran, or As for getting promotions, Mark counted himself among the also-rans. This term comes from racing, where it describes a horse that finishes in fourth place or lower or does not finish a race at all. It first appeared in the 1890s in published racing results, and has since been transferred to losers in any kind of competition, and also more broadly to persons who simply don't do well.

A loser. The term comes from late nineteenth-century horse racing, where it signified a horse that ran a race but failed to win, place, or show. It was later broadened to any kind of competitor—in an election or other contest—who lost.