alternate
al
ˈɑl
aal
ter
tər
tēr
nate
ˌneɪt
neit
/ˈɒltɜːnət/

Definition & Meaning of "alternate"in English

alternate
01

done or happening every other time

alternate definition and meaning
Examples
The committee meets on alternative Thursdays to discuss budget updates.
02

happening in a back-and-forth pattern

Examples
It was a strange day of alternate sunshine and rain, shifting back and forth.
03

serving as an substitute option

Examples
Due to heavy traffic, she decided to take the alternate route home.
04

(of leaves, branches, etc) arranged on opposite sides of the stem in a staggered pattern

Examples
The tree has alternate leaves that grow on either side of the stem.
05

describing something that exists as a different or parallel version of something else

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
Examples
The story takes place in an alternate universe where history unfolded differently.
to alternate
01

to switch back and forth between two or more things, states, or conditions

Examples
The weather alternated between sunny and rainy throughout the day.
02

to arrange things or people so that they follow one after the other in a repeated and predictable pattern

Examples
He alternated studying with short breaks to stay focused.
2.1

to come after one another in a regular, repeating sequence

Examples
Dark stripes alternate with pale ones on the fabric.
03

(of an electric current, voltage, etc.) to change direction at regular intervals, with its value continuously fluctuating over time

Examples
In alternating current ( AC ), the flow of electricity alternates direction many times per second.
04

to take turns doing something

Examples
In the long drive, the couple would alternate driving every two hours to avoid fatigue.
05

to switch people between roles, tasks, or shifts in a repeated or organized way

Examples
The company decided to alternate employees between different departments to improve cross-training.
06

to serve as an understudy for another actor, actress, or performer

Examples
She was chosen to alternate for the lead actress in case of illness or emergency.
Alternate
01

a backup person who substitutes when the primary individual is unavailable

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
Examples
The alternate took over the lead role when the main actor fell ill.
02

something that can be chosen instead of another option

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
Examples
When the main route was closed, we had to take an alternate.
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