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.
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.