alternative
pronunciation
How to pronounce alternative in British English:
UK [ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv]
How to pronounce alternative in American English:
US [ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv]
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- Noun:
- one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen
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- Adjective:
- allowing a choice
- necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities
- pertaining to unconventional choices
Word Origin
- alternative (adj.)
- 1580s, "offering one or the other of two," from Medieval Latin alternativus, from Latin alternatus, past participle of alternare (see alternate (v.)). Meaning "purporting to be a superior choice to what is in general use" was current by 1970 (earliest reference is to the media). Alternative energy is from 1975. Related: Alternatively.
- alternative (n.)
- 1620s, in rhetoric, from Medieval Latin alternativus (see alternative (adj.)). Of courses of action, from 1814. Of objects, etc., "the other of two which may be chosen," by 1838.
Synonym
Example
- 1. It is time to try alternative measures .
- 2. Socialists and corporatists never offered an alternative good life .
- 3. June has been mentioned as an alternative .
- 4. Petrol-electric hybrids are not the only alternative to all-battery cars .
- 5. The alternative was even greater iranian impunity .