Alternately
/ˈɔːltəneɪtli/
Definitions
2 meaningsIn turns; one after the other.
/ˈɔːltəneɪtli/
In an alternating manner; in turns.
The lights flickered alternately.
💡 Simply: Switching back and forth.
More Examples
They sang alternately, verse by verse.
How It's Used
"They worked alternately on the project, one day each."
One following the other; in succession.
/ˈɔːltəneɪtli/
One after the other in a series.
The soldiers marched alternately left and right.
💡 Simply: One after the other.
More Examples
The pattern featured black and white squares, placed alternately.
How It's Used
"The process involved alternately heating and cooling the mixture."
From Middle English *alternatli, from Old French *alternatif, from Latin *alternātus, past participle of alternāre "to alternate".
The word's usage has remained consistent throughout history, primarily focusing on the alternating or successive nature of events or actions.
Memory tip
Think of 'alternate' – it means to switch between things. '-ly' makes it an adverb.
Word Origin
"to alternate"