Definition

1. Verb:
   • To enter a computer system or a restricted area of a website or application by providing credentials: The action of identifying oneself to a computer system, typically by entering a username and password, to gain access to personal or secured information, services, or functions.

Usage

• This verb is used to describe the specific action of beginning a session on a computer, network, website, or app.
• It is often followed by the preposition "to" when specifying the system (e.g., "log in to the server").
• It can be used in various tenses (e.g., "I will log in," "She is logging in," "He has logged in").

Examples

• Verb:
  • Please log in to your email account to read the message.
  • Users must log in before they can post a comment on the forum.
  • I logged in this morning to check my bank balance.

Advanced Usage

• "to log someone in": To perform the login action on behalf of another person or to grant someone access.
  • The IT administrator can log you in if you've forgotten your password.
• The state of having completed this action is described by the adjective "logged-in."
  • Make sure you are logged-in before proceeding to checkout.

Variants and Related Words

• Login (noun or adjective): The process or the credentials used for logging in; or a modifier for things related to logging in.
  • Noun: Your login is your username and password.
  • Adjective: Please go to the login page.
• Log on: A synonym often used interchangeably with "log in," though sometimes "log on" implies connecting to a network or mainframe, while "log in" implies accessing a specific account or service.
• Sign in: A very common synonym, especially for websites and applications.

Synonyms

• Sign in: To enter one's credentials to access an account.
• Access: To gain entry to a system (more general).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Log into: A common variant of "log in to."
  • You need to log into the system to update your profile.
• Log out / Log off: The action of ending a session on a computer system.
  • Always remember to log out of your account on public computers.

Related Idioms

Verb

1. enter a computer
   • Have you logged in lately?