alternate

¹al·ter·nate

adjective \US & Canada ˈȯl-tər-nət also ˈal-; chiefly British ȯl-ˈtər-\

Definition of ALTERNATE

1

: occurring or succeeding by turns <a day of alternate sunshine and rain>

2

a : arranged first on one side and then on the other at different levels or points along an axial line <alternate leaves> — compare opposite

b : arranged one above or alongside the other

3

: every other : every second <he works on alternate days>

4

: constituting an alternative <took the alternate route home>

5

: alternative 3

— al·ter·nate·ly adverb

Examples of ALTERNATE

1. Alternate shades of wood formed a pattern around the window.
2. We took an alternate route because of the traffic.
3. Due to an emergency, the plane landed at an alternate airport.

Origin of ALTERNATE

Latin alternatus, past participle of alternare, from alternus alternate, from alter

First Known Use: 1513

²al·ter·nate

verb \ˈȯl-tər-ˌnāt also ˈal-\

al·ter·nat·edal·ter·nat·ing

Definition of ALTERNATE

transitive verb

1

: to perform by turns or in succession

2

: to cause to alternate

intransitive verb

: to change from one to another repeatedly <rain alternated with sun>

Examples of ALTERNATE

1. The poem alternates fear and hope.
2. The light and dark woods alternate to form an elegant pattern around the window.

First Known Use of ALTERNATE

1599

³al·ter·nate

noun \same as ¹\

Definition of ALTERNATE

1

: alternative

2

: one that substitutes for or alternates with another

Examples of ALTERNATE

1. The town has elected five councilors and two alternates.

First Known Use of ALTERNATE

1717