Introduction
At first glance, they seem synonymous; both suggest options or choices.
Alternate meaning:
As an adjective
Every other (happening in turn, or at regular intervals).
Different or other (something that can be chosen or used instead of something else).
As a noun
A substitute or replacement person or thing.
A choice or option that can be substituted.
As a verb
Switch between two or more things repeatedly or regularly.
Alternative meaning:
Choice or option.
Different or non-mainstream.
Substitute or replacement.
Origin
Alternate Origin:
From the Latin word alternatus, which is the past participle of alternare, meaning “to do by turns” or “to alternate.” The root of alternare is alter, meaning “other” or “another.”
Late Middle English: Alternate appeared in English around the 14th century, meaning “to do in turn,” “to interchange,” or “to alternate.”
Alternative Origin:
Also comes from Latin, specifically from alternativus, meaning “pertaining to change” or “alternating,” derived from alternare (same root as “alternate”).
Alternate pronunciation and Alternate pronunciation
Alternate synonyms
- Every other day
- Rotating
- Intermittent
- periodic break
- Switch
- Flip
- Substitute
- Stand in
- Proxy
- Replacement
Alternate antonyms
- Schedule
- Constant
- Fixed
- Full time
- Regular
- Permanent
- Main
Alternative synonyms
- Substitute
- Another
- Choice
- Backup
- Replacement
- Optional
- Plan B
- Choice of action
- Other option
Alternative antonyms
- Fixed
- Unvaried
- Certain
- Uniform
- Regular
- Standard
- Necessity
- Requirement
- Obligation
- Mandatory choice
Alternate examples
- We go to the gym on alternate days.
- If there’s traffic, take the alternate route to avoid delays.
- Please use the alternate seating arrangement during the event.
- I need to alternate between tasks to stay productive.
- The workers alternate shifts so that the store is always open.
- He likes to alternate reading and writing during study sessions.
Alternative example
- Many people turn to alternative medicine for natural treatments.
- Solar power is an alternative energy source to fossil fuels.
- She lives an alternative lifestyle that focuses on sustainability and minimalism.
- The teacher used an alternative approach to solve the math problem.
- The company offered a viable alternative to the traditional software.
- If the plan doesn’t work, the only alternative is to try again next week.
- Nicotine patches are often seen as an alternative to smoking.
Conclusion
This article is about meaning of alternate and alternative. It also tell about their synonym and antonyms. These are explained with the help of different examples. this will help you to differentiate between alternate and alternative in language.
FAQs
Is it alternative or alternate date?
Although both can refer to a different or backup option, typically alternate refers to an action of rotating or taking turns while alternative usually refers to another option or choice.
For example: Each year, their family vacation alternates between the beach and Disney World.
Is it alternative or alternate options?
Alternate’ should be used to mean “occurring or succeeding by turns” and ‘alternative’ to mean “offering or expressing a choice.“ But in many cases where choice is involved, ‘alternate’ is a viable alternative.
Is it alternative or alternate reality?
Both “alternate reality” and “alternative reality” are correct, and refer to a separate world that coexists with the real world. They are often used in fiction and fantasy as a setting or plot point.
