Meaning & Definition of word "Alternate"
to
Alternate
/ˈɔːltərnɪt/
noun:
- 1. one that substitutes for another; an alternative.
- Example: He served as the alternate for the main speaker at the conference.
verb:
- 1. to cause to occur in succession or rotate; to interchange.
- Example: You can alternate between running and walking for better endurance.
- 2. to change back and forth; to switch.
- Example: They will alternate their schedules to cover for each other.
adjective:
- 1. available as another option or choice; different or alternative.
- Example: She decided to take the alternate route to avoid traffic.
- 2. occurring by turns; every other.
- Example: The team played on alternate days to give players enough rest.
Etymology
from Latin alternatus, from alternare 'to do by turns'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
alternate route:
a different way to reach a destination, often to avoid obstacles.
alternate days:
occurring every other day.
alternate universe:
a hypothetical world that differs from our own in some facts or events.
Related Words
alternation:
the act or process of alternating.
alternatively:
as another option.
alternative:
one of two or more available possibilities.
Slang Meanings of alternate
Meaning: to switch between options casually.
Example Sentence: I’m just going to alternate between coffee and tea today.
Meaning: to change things up frequently.
Example Sentence: We like to alternate our hangout spots every week.