alternative history

American  

[awl-tur-nuh-tiv his-tuh-ree, his-tree, al-tur-] / ɔlˈtɜr nə tɪv ˈhɪs tə ri, ˈhɪs tri, ælˈtɜr- /

noun

1. history that is based on an unconventional or nontraditional interpretation of an event or events.

   Charting a hitherto untold story with historical and contemporary implications, these essays present a compelling alternative history of theatrical practice in the UK.

2. alternate history.

   She writes alternative history that is detailed and hard to resist.

   The book is a supernatural alternative history.

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alternative history British  

noun

1. a genre of fiction in which the author speculates on how the course of history might have been altered if a particular historical event had had a different outcome

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Etymology

Origin of alternative history

First recorded in 1900–05

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

alternative history

The final reason to stick with Mr. Klosterman is to find out why he wrote this alternative history in the first place.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

They include Atomfall, the survival game set in an alternative history version of the Lake District, as well as Mafia: The Old Country and Powerwash Simulator 2 - both developed in Brighton.

From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2026

We love plunging into hypothetical topics and alternative history, but this discussion has little meat on which we can chew.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 27, 2024

It dipped into alternative history, with appearances from real-life figures, most notably Luke Kirby as Lenny Bruce, whose loving and unflinching performance brought the famous, late comedian into the realm of all new-viewers.

From Salon ● May 27, 2023

I watched this alternative history spiral out in flashes and blips and bit my lip.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

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