alternative

[awl-tur-nuh-tiv, al-]

noun

1. a choice limited to one of two or more possibilities, as of things, propositions, or courses of action, the selection of which precludes any other possibility.

   You have the alternative of riding or walking.

   Synonyms: selection, option

2. one of the things, propositions, or courses of action that can be chosen.

   The alternative to riding is walking.

3. a possible or remaining course or choice.

   There was no alternative but to walk.

adjective

1. affording a choice of two or more things, propositions, or courses of action.

2. (of two things, propositions, or courses) mutually exclusive so that if one is chosen the other must be rejected.

   The alternative possibilities are neutrality and war.

3. employing or following nontraditional or unconventional ideas, methods, etc.; existing outside the establishment.

   an alternative newspaper; alternative lifestyles.

4. Logic.,  (of a proposition) asserting two or more choices, at least one of which is true.

alternative

/ ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv /

noun

1. a possibility of choice, esp between two things, courses of action, etc

2. either of such choices

   we took the alternative of walking

adjective

1. presenting a choice, esp between two possibilities only

2. (of two things) mutually exclusive

3. denoting a lifestyle, culture, art form, etc, regarded by its adherents as preferable to that of contemporary society because it is less conventional, materialistic, or institutionalized, and, often, more in harmony with nature

4. logic another word for disjunctive

Other Word Forms

• alternatively adverb
• alternativeness noun
• alternativity noun
• quasi-alternative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of alternative¹

First recorded in 1580–90; alternate + -ive

Synonym Study

See choice.

Example Sentences

"We have little alternative other than to allow the appeal," he told Mr Legakis.

From BBC

But if you’re into alternative comedy or queer stuff, or just voices that you are not going to hear at, like, the Comedy Store, then the Elysian is a really great hub for you.

From Los Angeles Times

A recent report from the authority proposed next alternatives for the project that would connect the Central Valley to Gilroy and Palmdale.

From Los Angeles Times

Newcastle, tellingly, returned to the table with a third and final bid on deadline day rather than moving on to an alternative.

From BBC

Each state, even each district, was left to invent its own approach — tallying debts, cutting off charges or swapping hot meals for cheaper alternatives.

From Salon

Related Words

• opportunity 
• option 
• substitute