alternative — one of two or more available possibilities
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: one of two or more available possibilities
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv/
Example Sentences
- When the elevator broke down, taking the stairs was the only alternative.
- My alternative to doing homework was pretending to be sick, but mom saw right through it.
- The school offers alternative classes for students who learn differently.
alternative
NOUN[/ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv/]
one of two or more available possibilities
The original plan failed — but the alternative turned out to be better than anything they had planned.
ALTER the NATIVE path — and you have found your alternative.
The alternative was creative — born from someone's initiative.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'alternativus', derived from 'alternare' meaning 'to do by turns' or 'to alternate', which comes from 'alternus' (every other, alternate) related to 'alter' (the other of two). The suffix '-ative' indicates a tendency or relation to the root concept.
Breakdown
alter- (the other of two) + -nat- (to do by turns) + -ive (adjective suffix indicating tendency) + -e (final syllable) = alternative
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When the elevator broke down, taking the stairs was the only alternative.”
“My alternative to doing homework was pretending to be sick, but mom saw right through it.”
“The school offers alternative classes for students who learn differently.”
“His alternative to buying expensive coffee was learning to make his own terrible coffee at home.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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