Beta: meaning, definitions and examples

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beta

 

[หˆbeษชtษ™ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

software testing

In software development, a beta version is a pre-release version of a software application that is provided to a selected group of users for testing purposes. The main goal of a beta version is to identify bugs or issues before the final release. Beta testing allows developers to obtain feedback on usability and functionality. It usually follows an alpha testing phase and is an essential part of the software development lifecycle.

Synonyms

pre-release, test version, trial version.

Examples of usage

  • The beta version of the application was released to a group of testers.
  • After several weeks of beta testing, users provided valuable feedback that improved the app.
  • The game has entered beta, allowing players to try it before the official launch.
Context #2 | Noun

finance

In finance and investing, beta refers to a measure of the volatility or systematic risk of a security or portfolio in comparison to the market as a whole. A beta greater than one indicates that the security is more volatile than the market, while a beta less than one indicates that it is less volatile. This measure is used by investors to assess risk and make informed investment decisions.

Synonyms

market risk, risk measure, volatility measure.

Examples of usage

  • The stock has a beta of 1.5, indicating it is more volatile than the market.
  • Investors often look at the beta coefficient to evaluate a portfolio's risk profile.
  • A low beta stock might appeal to conservative investors seeking stability.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'beta' comes from the Greek alphabet, where it is the second letter, representing something that follows or is next.
  • In software development, the use of 'beta' started in the late 20th century to describe early versions of programs.
  • Previously, the first version of software was known as 'alpha,' leading to the alphabetical progression to 'beta' for subsequent trials.

Technology

  • Beta testing allows real users to interact with a product and provide feedback before its final version is launched.
  • Many popular applications and games, such as Google Chrome and Fortnite, are often released in beta to test features with a select group.
  • The data collected during beta testing can help developers fix bugs and improve user experience based on real-world usage.

Pop Culture

  • The beta version of a popular video game franchise often gains a lot of attention, influencing the final game's success based on player input.
  • In movies or television, 'beta' can refer to an early version of a script or pilot that is refined before the final production.
  • The concept of beta is often popularized in technology-related reality shows, showcasing innovation and product development.

Science

  • In finance, 'beta' is a measure used to determine the volatility of an investment compared to the market.
  • Astrophysicists may use 'beta' to refer to certain types of decay processes or particles, tying back to scientific experimentation.
  • Beta blockers are medications that help manage heart conditions by calming the heart rate, showcasing a different use of the term.

Psychology

  • In psychology research, beta testing can be related to trial methods used to validate experiments and theories through initial studies.
  • The idea of beta in social dynamics often refers to someone contrasting with the 'alpha' personality in social hierarchies.
  • In group settings, beta roles can signify supporting roles within a team, contributing to overall group dynamics.

Translations

Translations of the word "beta" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น beta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅ€เคŸเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Beta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ beta

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะตั‚ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ beta

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ™ใƒผใ‚ฟ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท bรชta

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ beta

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท beta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฒ ํƒ€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจูŠุชุง

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ beta

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ beta

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ดๅก”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ beta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ beta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะตั‚ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ”แƒขแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ beta

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ beta

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,182 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.