alternate — to occur in turns; to switch between two or more things repeatedly
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to occur in turns; to switch between two or more things repeatedly
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɔːltərneɪt/
Example Sentences
- My mom alternates between praising my cooking and ordering pizza.
- The students will alternate presenting their projects every week.
- He alternates between being a superhero and forgetting where he put his keys.
alternate
VERB[/ˈɔːltərneɪt/]
to occur in turns; to switch between two or more things repeatedly
The two night guards alternate shifts every four hours at the lighthouse.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'alternatus', the past participle of 'alternare', meaning 'to do by turns'. The Latin root 'alternus' comes from 'alter' meaning 'other' or 'the other of two', combined with the suffix '-nus' indicating a recurring or reciprocal action.
Breakdown
alter- (other, the other of two) + -nate (suffix forming verbs meaning 'to do repeatedly or in turns') = alternate (to occur in turns; to switch between options)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom alternates between praising my cooking and ordering pizza.”
“The students will alternate presenting their projects every week.”
“He alternates between being a superhero and forgetting where he put his keys.”
“The meeting will be held on alternate Tuesdays.”
📚Related Words
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