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

Derived Forms

• alˈternatively, adverb
• alˈternativeness, noun

Other Words From

• al·ter·na·tive·ly adverb
• al·ter·na·tive·ness al·ter·na·tiv·i·ty [awl-tur-n, uh, -, tiv, -i-tee, al-], noun
• qua·si-al·ter·na·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of alternative¹

First recorded in 1580–90; alternate + -ive

Synonym Study

See choice.

Example Sentences

Each alternative transcription site could potentially create a different protein from the same gene.

From Science Daily

Dame Angela, the minister for asylum and border security, said the government was continuing to identify alternative accommodation.

From BBC

Diversion information can be found on their websites with some services collecting passengers at nearby bus stops as an alternative.

From BBC

At the Old Bailey, Mr Justice Cavanagh also told the jury that they may consider an alternative charge of manslaughter.

From BBC

He said that the television interview was the same format, suggesting there were "alternative explanations for the things we were saying".

From BBC

Related Words

• opportunity
• option
• substitute