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alternatively — as another option; instead

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: as another option; instead

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪvli/

Example Sentences

  • You can order pizza, or alternatively, I could cook my famous instant noodles.
  • We could study for the exam, or alternatively, just pray for a miracle.
  • The meeting can be held in the conference room, or alternatively, in the café downstairs.

alternatively

ADVERB

[/ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪvli/]

as another option; instead

Can't decide on pizza? Alternatively, we could just grab some tacos nearby.
💡 Concept

Can't decide on pizza? Alternatively, we could just grab some tacos nearby.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪvli/
🇬🇧 UK/ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪvli/

🌳Etymology

Rootalter
Suffix--ly

Origin

From Latin 'alternare' meaning 'to do by turns,' combined with the suffix '-ative' (indicating a tendency or function) and the adverbial suffix '-ly'. The root 'alternare' comes from 'alternus,' meaning 'every other' or 'alternate.'

Breakdown

alter- (other/alternate) + -nat- (turn) + -ive (tending to/function) + -ly (adverb marker) = alternatively

🎵Rhyme

natively
relatively
creatively

🔗Collocations

alternatively speaking
alternatively, you could
alternatively approach
think alternatively
alternatively known as
alternatively possible

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“You can order pizza, or alternatively, I could cook my famous instant noodles.”

😄 Fun example

“We could study for the exam, or alternatively, just pray for a miracle.”

“The meeting can be held in the conference room, or alternatively, in the café downstairs.”

😄 Fun example

“You could wake up early to exercise, or alternatively, just dream about being fit.”

“The project can be completed by Friday, or alternatively, we need to request an extension.”

📚Related Words

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