alternative

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adjective al·ter·na·tive \ȯl-ˈtər-nə-tiv, al-\

Definition of alternative

1 : offering or expressing a choice several alternative plans
2 : different from the usual or conventional: such asa : existing or functioning outside the established cultural, social, or economic system an alternative newspaper alternative lifestylesb : 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 an alternative band; also : of, relating to, or being music of a genre other than rock that is similarly regarded as an alternative to the conventional music of that genre alternative countryc : of or relating to alternative medicine alternative therapies
3 : occurring or succeeding by turns : alternate 1

alternatively

adverb

alternativeness

noun

See alternative defined for English-language learners

See alternative defined for kids

Examples of alternative in a Sentence

Scientists are developing an alternative approach to treating the disease.
He developed an alternative design for the new engine.

Origin and Etymology of alternative

see ¹alternate

NEW!

First Known Use: 1540

See Words from the same year

alternative

noun al·ter·na·tive

Definition of alternative

1a : a proposition or situation offering a choice between two or more things only one of which may be chosen a government facing the alternative of high taxes or poor highwaysb : an opportunity for deciding between two or more courses or propositions the alternative of going by train or by plane
2a : one of two or more things, courses, or propositions to be chosen The menu offered several vegetarian alternatives.b : something which can be chosen instead The only alternative to intervention.
3 : alternative rock music a fan of alternative

See alternative defined for English-language learners

Examples of alternative in a Sentence

We decided to leave since our only other alternative was to wait in the rain.
I was offered no alternative.
The menu offered several vegetarian alternatives.

Origin and Etymology of alternative

see ¹alternate

NEW!

First Known Use: 1576

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of alternative

choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen. choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely. freedom of choice option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed. the option of paying now or later alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility. equally attractive alternatives preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections. a preference for cool weather selection implies a range of choice. a varied selection of furniture election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment. doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

ALTERNATIVE Defined for English Language Learners

alternative

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adjective

Definition of alternative for English Language Learners

: offering or expressing a choice
: not usual or traditional
: existing or functioning outside of the established society

alternative

noun

Definition of alternative for English Language Learners

: something that can be chosen instead of something else : a choice or option

ALTERNATIVE Defined for Kids

alternative

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adjective al·ter·na·tive \ȯl-ˈtər-nə-tiv\

Definition of alternative for Students

: offering or expressing a choice alternative plans

alternatively

adverb I'll drive or, alternatively, we could walk.

alternative

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noun al·ter·na·tive

Definition of alternative for Students

1 : a chance to choose between two things We had to move. There was no alternative.
2 : one of the things between which a choice is to be made As it got dark, our best alternative was to find shelter.

Medical Dictionary

alternative

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adjective al·ter·na·tive \ȯl-ˈtər-nət-iv, al-\

Medical Definition of alternative

: of, relating to, or based on alternative medicine alternative therapies

Law Dictionary

alternative

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adjective al·ter·na·tive \ȯl-ˈtər-nə-tiv, al-\

Legal Definition of alternative

1 : alternate 1
2 : offering or expressing a choice an alternative contract — see also alternative pleading at pleading 1b
3 : existing or functioning outside the established system; also : different from the usual or conventional alternative sentencing

alternative

noun al·ter·na·tive

Legal Definition of alternative

1 : a proposition or situation offering a choice between two or more things only one of which may be chosen
2a : one of two or more things, courses, or propositions to be chosen b : something which can be chosen instead

in the alternative

1 : for or as an alternative asked for specific performance, or in the alternative, damages of $20,000 a new trial may be asked for in the alternative
2 : in such a way that offers a choice the relief sought…may include relief in the alternative — Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 8(a) plead in the alternative