Alternate
/ˈɔːltərnət/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo happen or exist in turn; to take turns.
/ˈɔːltəneɪt/
To occur in turn
The teams alternated possession of the ball.
💡 Simply: To switch back and forth.
More Examples
He alternated between hope and despair.
How It's Used
"Rain and sunshine alternated throughout the day."
Occurring or succeeding in turns; every other.
/ˈɔːltənət/
Occurring in turns
Alternate days are better for working out.
💡 Simply: Every other one.
More Examples
The stripes were alternate red and white.
How It's Used
"They followed an alternate route."
A person or thing that can be chosen instead of another; an alternative.
/ˈɔːltənət/
An alternative choice
We had an alternate route.
💡 Simply: A different option.
More Examples
There are no alternates for this important job.
How It's Used
"The alternate plan was to walk."
From Middle English *alternaten, from Latin alternātus, past participle of alternāre "to change in turn," from alter "other".
The word has been used in a similar sense since Middle English, often referring to things happening in turns.
Memory tip
Think of 'alternate' as 'alter-nate,' meaning to change between two things.
Word Origin
"to change in turn"