Main Entry: ¹al·ter·na·tive

Pronunciation: \ȯl-ˈtər-nə-tiv, al-\

Function: adjective

Date: 1540

1 : alternate 1
2 : offering or expressing a choice <several alternative plans>
3 : different from the usual or conventional: as a : existing or functioning outside the established cultural, social, or economic system <an alternative newspaper> <alternative lifestyles> b : of, relating to, or being rock music that is regarded as an alternative to conventional rock and is typically influenced by punk rock, hard rock, hip-hop, or folk music c : of or relating to alternative medicine <alternative therapies>

— al·ter·na·tive·ly adverb

— al·ter·na·tive·ness noun