Log in Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
💻
log in
[lɒɡ ɪn ]
Definition
computing
To enter one's username and password to access a computer system, network, or website.
Synonyms
access, authenticate, sign in.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| log in |
To enter your username and password to get into a system or website. Typically used for general online services and computers.
|
| sign in |
To enter your details to access a system or service. Used interchangeably with 'log in' but can also be used in more informal or physical contexts.
|
| access |
To gain entry or retrieve information from a system or location. Used in broader contexts, not limited to just entering a system.
|
| authenticate |
To verify the identity of a user before granting access. Usually used in more technical or formal contexts, often involving security measures.
|
Examples of usage
- Please log in to your account to check your messages.
- She forgot her password and couldn't log in.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Technology
- The first instances of logging in to computer systems began in the early 1960s, allowing limited access control.
- Many web services use a concept called 'two-factor authentication' for added security during the login process.
- The term 'log in' became widely popular with the rise of the internet in the 1990s, as more users started creating online accounts.
Psychology
- Studies show that a strong password can reduce the chances of accounts being hacked, increasing users' feelings of security.
- The way people choose their login credentials often reflects their personality and creativity, with some opting for memorable phrases.
History
- The concept of user authentication can be traced back to early computer systems like the Compatible Time-Sharing System (CTSS) at MIT.
- The growth of e-commerce in the late 1990s marked a significant increase in the use of secure logins for online transactions.
Pop Culture
- Popular movies often depict hackers 'logging in' in dramatic sequences to portray skill and anonymity.
- The phrase 'log in' has become a common expression in everyday conversations, reflecting our reliance on technology.
Literature
- Digital novels and interactive stories often require readers to log in to personalize their reading experience.
- Authors increasingly explore themes of identity and privacy tied to online logins in contemporary literature.
Origin of 'log in'
The term 'log in' originated in the 1960s in the field of computing. It refers to the action of entering one's credentials to gain access to a system. As technology advanced, the concept of logging in became a standard part of using computers and the internet.