alternation — the repeated occurrence of two things in turns; successive changes between two states or conditions
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the repeated occurrence of two things in turns; successive changes between two states or conditions
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌɔːltərˈneɪʃən/
Example Sentences
- My boss has a weird alternation between being super friendly and completely ignoring me.
- The alternation of hot and cold showers is supposed to boost your immune system.
- There's a constant alternation between my desire to eat healthy and my love for pizza.
alternation
NOUN[/ˌɔːltərˈneɪʃən/]
the repeated occurrence of two things in turns; successive changes between two states or conditions
The lighthouse keeper watches the alternation of red and white beams sweeping the dark sea.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin 'alternatus', the past participle of 'alternare', meaning 'to alternate' or 'to do by turns'. This term was employed by ancient Romans to describe the practice of rotating crops in agriculture, a usage that has persisted into modern English.
Breakdown
alter- (other, alternate) + -natus (past participle suffix) + -ion (noun suffix forming the action or result). The Latin root 'alternare' combines 'alter' (the other of two) with the inchoative suffix '-nare', producing the sense of doing things in succession or by turns.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My boss has a weird alternation between being super friendly and completely ignoring me.”
“The alternation of hot and cold showers is supposed to boost your immune system.”
“There's a constant alternation between my desire to eat healthy and my love for pizza.”
“The alternation of work and rest is essential for productivity.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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