scala - Is the method name "is" of "RequestVar" a short name of some other words? -

in lift web framework, requestvar has method is:

def is: t  current value of variable 

i wonder why method name is? short name of other words? if word is, expect return boolean values, return value holds.

i'd is supposed answer question "what is current value of variable?".

it not make sense test existence, requestvars (and sessionsvars matter) are always. if confuses you, use get ;)