Alternately

/ɒlˈtɜrnətli/

Meaning & Definition

adverb
In an alternating manner; back and forth; by turns.
The light flashed alternately between red and green.
One after the other, in succession.
The students worked on the project alternately, taking turns to lead.
In a way that suggests mutual exclusivity or choice.
She alternately laughed and cried during the emotional movie.
Occurring in turns; one and then the other.
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

In a back-and-forth manner.
They were swapping jokes alternately, making the room laugh.
Taking turns.
We played the game, alternating our moves.