Meaning & Definition of word "Alternately"
Alternately
/ɒlˈtɜrnətli/
adverb:
- 1. In an alternating manner; back and forth; by turns.
- Example: The light flashed alternately between red and green.
- 2. One after the other, in succession.
- Example: The students worked on the project alternately, taking turns to lead.
- 3. In a way that suggests mutual exclusivity or choice.
- Example: She alternately laughed and cried during the emotional movie.
- 4. Occurring in turns; one and then the other.
- Example: The team won the championship alternately for three years.
Etymology
●From the word alternate, combining with the -ly suffix.
Common Phrases and Expressions
alternately present:
To present in turns.
alternately engaged:
To be involved in two different activities in succession.
Related Words
alternate:
To switch between two or more options.
alternation:
The occurrence of two or more different things in turn.
Slang Meanings of alternately
Meaning: In a back-and-forth manner.
● Example Sentence: They were swapping jokes alternately, making the room laugh.
Meaning: Taking turns.
● Example Sentence: We played the game, alternating our moves.