- alternate
- alternates, alternating, alternated(The verb is pronounced [[t]ɔ͟ːltə(r)neɪt[/t]]. The adjective and noun are pronounced [[t]ɔːltɜ͟ː(r)nət[/t]].)1) V-RECIP-ERG When you alternate two things, you keep using one then the other. When one thing alternates with another, the first regularly occurs after the other.
[V between/with n] Her aggressive moods alternated with gentle or more co-operative states...
[pl-n V] The three acts will alternate as headliners throughout the tour...
[V pl-n] Now you just alternate layers of that mixture and eggplant.
[V n with n] ...a German big band that alternated romantic American love songs with bouncy Bavarian numbers.
[V-ing] ...an imaginative novel, with alternating chapters presenting each partner's point of view.
Derived words:alternation [[t]ɔ͟ːltə(r)ne͟ɪʃ(ə)n[/t]] plural N-VARThe alternation of sun and snow continued for the rest of our holiday.
2) ADJ: ADJ n Alternate actions, events, or processes regularly occur after each other.They were streaked with alternate bands of colour.
Derived words:alternately ADV ADV with v, ADV adjHe could alternately bully and charm people...
She became alternately angry and calm.
3) ADJ: ADJ n If something happens on alternate days, it happens on one day, then happens on every second day after that. In the same way, something can happen in alternate weeks, years, or other periods of time.Lesley had agreed to Jim going skiing in alternate years.
Syn:every other4) ADJ: ADJ n You use alternate to describe a plan, idea, or system which is different from the one already in operation and can be used instead of it.His group was forced to turn back and take an alternate route.
...alternate forms of medical treatment.
Syn:5) N-COUNT An alternate is a person or thing that replaces another, and can act or be used instead of them. [AM]In most jurisdictions, twelve jurors and two alternates are chosen...
The six food groups include grain products, vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products, meats and meat alternates, and a miscellaneous group.
Syn:6) ADJ: ADJ n Alternate is sometimes used, especially in American English, instead of alternative in meanings 3, 4, and 5....an alternate lifestyle.
English dictionary. 2008.
