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

Definition & Meaning of "alternate"in English

alternate
01

done or happening every other time

alternate definition and meaning
example
Examples
The committee meets on alternative Thursdays to discuss budget updates.
She schedules her therapy sessions for alternative weekends to accommodate work travel.
02

happening in a back-and-forth pattern

example
Examples
It was a strange day of alternate sunshine and rain, shifting back and forth.
The alternate hot and cold weather made it hard to dress appropriately.
03

serving as an substitute option

example
Examples
Due to heavy traffic, she decided to take the alternate route home.
The event organizers provided an alternate date in case of rain.
04

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

example
Examples
The tree has alternate leaves that grow on either side of the stem.
The plant 's alternate shoots give it a balanced, symmetrical appearance.
05

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

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
example
Examples
The story takes place in an alternate universe where history unfolded differently.
The movie presents an alternate reality where humans never discovered fire.
to alternate
01

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

example
Examples
The weather alternated between sunny and rainy throughout the day.
His voice alternated between excitement and frustration during the conversation.
02

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

example
Examples
He alternated studying with short breaks to stay focused.
The chef alternated layers of pasta and sauce to make the lasagna.
2.1

to come after one another in a regular, repeating sequence

example
Examples
Dark stripes alternate with pale ones on the fabric.
The band members alternated with guest performers during the concert.
03

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

example
Examples
In alternating current ( AC ), the flow of electricity alternates direction many times per second.
The voltage in this circuit alternates between positive and negative values, following a sinusoidal waveform.
04

to take turns doing something

example
Examples
In the long drive, the couple would alternate driving every two hours to avoid fatigue.
For the choir 's performance, the sopranos and altos would alternate leading each verse.
05

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

example
Examples
The company decided to alternate employees between different departments to improve cross-training.
The two managers alternated roles during the busy season to ensure all responsibilities were covered.
06

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

example
Examples
She was chosen to alternate for the lead actress in case of illness or emergency.
The actor alternates with his understudy during the weekend performances.
Alternate
01

a backup person who substitutes when the primary individual is unavailable

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
example
Examples
The alternate took over the lead role when the main actor fell ill.
He served as an alternate on the jury in case one of the primary jurors had to drop out.
02

something that can be chosen instead of another option

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
example
Examples
When the main route was closed, we had to take an alternate.
If this plan does n't work, we need to come up with an alternate.
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