Main Entry:

¹al·ter·na·tive

Pronunciation:

\ȯl-ˈtər-nə-tiv, al-\

Function:

adjective

Date:

1540

1: alternate 12: 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