adj

alternate

ol-TUR-nuht

adj

Happening in turns, first one thing then the other, repeatedly.

"The fence posts were painted in alternate colors."

"She works alternate weekends at the clinic."

noun

A person or thing standing in as a substitute for another.

"He was named as an alternate juror in case someone dropped out."

verb

To switch back and forth between two things in a regular pattern.

"The two singers alternated verses throughout the song."

How to Use Alternate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTaking turns, or a stand-in that takes someone's place when needed.

Common mistake

In American English "alternate" is often used where British English prefers "alternative" (a different choice) — the adjective meanings overlap but aren't identical.

UK vs US

British English tends to keep "alternate" (taking turns) and "alternative" (a different option) separate; American usage blurs the two more freely.

Easily confused with

alternative →

Common pairings

alternate days alternate route alternate juror

Word Forms

alternated past tense, alternates plural, alternates singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The fence posts were painted in _____ colors.

Etymology

From Latin alternatus, past participle of alternare ("to take turns"), from alternus ("one after another"), ultimately from alter, "other."

Synonyms

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seesaw interchange

Related Words

move transpose commerce interchange seesaw

Rhymes for alternate

ate date rate mate fate gate hate pate late Nate Kate cate

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