Definition of alternate
1 : occurring or succeeding by turns a day of alternate sunshine and rain
2a : arranged first on one side and then on the other at different levels or points along an axial line a plant with alternate leaves — compare oppositeb : arranged one above or alongside the other alternate layers of brick and stone
3 : every other : every second He works on alternate days.
4 : constituting an alternative took the alternate route home
5 : alternative 2 did not approve of their son's alternate lifestyle
alternately
adverbFrom the M-W Editors
Examples of alternate in a sentence
Alternate shades of wood formed a pattern around the window.
We took an alternate route because of the traffic.
Due to an emergency, the plane landed at an alternate airport.
Origin and Etymology of alternate
Latin alternatus, past participle of alternare, from alternus alternate, from alter other
First Known Use: circa 1535
Definition of alternate
alternated
;alternating
transitive verb
1 : to perform by turns or in succession alternated comedies and dramas
2 : to cause to alternate
intransitive verb
: to change from one to another repeatedly Rain alternated with sun.
Examples of alternate in a sentence
The poem alternates fear and hope.
The light and dark woods alternate to form an elegant pattern around the window.
Origin and Etymology of alternate
see 1alternate
First Known Use: 1605
Definition of alternate
1 : alternative
2 : one that substitutes for or alternates with another They chose twelve jurors and two alternates.
Examples of alternate in a sentence
The town has elected five councilors and two alternates.
Origin and Etymology of alternate
see 1alternate
First Known Use: 1717
ALTERNATE Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of alternate for English Language Learners
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: occurring in or forming a repeated series
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—used to describe something that happens one time, does not happen the next time, happens again, etc.
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: other than the usual
Definition of alternate for English Language Learners
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: to place or do (different things) so that one follows the other in a repeated series
Definition of alternate for English Language Learners
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: someone who is chosen to take another person's place if that person is not able to be present or to do a required job
ALTERNATE Defined for Kids
Definition of alternate for Students
1 : occurring or following by turns alternate sunshine and rain
2 : arranged one above, beside, or next to another alternate layers of cake and filling
3 : every other : every second We meet on alternate days.
alternately
adverbDefinition of alternate for Students
alternated
;alternating
: to take place or cause to take place by turns She alternated between running and lifting weights.
Definition of alternate for Students
: a person named to take the place of another whenever necessary They were chosen as alternates to attend the convention.
Law Dictionary
Legal Definition of alternate
1 : occurring or succeeding by turns
2 : being an alternative alternate juror
alternate
Legal Definition of alternate
1 : alternative
2 : one that substitutes for another twelve jurors and three alternates
Learn More about alternate
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Spanish Central: Translation of alternate Nglish: Translation of alternate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of alternate for Arabic speakers
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