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

The new research identifies peroxisomes, small structures within cells that process fats, as an alternative heat source in brown fat.

Read more on Science Daily

But for the ordinary investor there is better, simpler advice: Gold should be viewed as an alternative to Treasury bills and bonds, not to stocks.

Read more on MarketWatch

Plante Moran isn’t exploring alternative ownership structures, but is open to conversations about potential M&A if there is a strong cultural fit, said Jason Drake, the firm’s managing partner.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Travelers can look for alternative airports that might be a known better bet or have not seen major delays so far.

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And while there are disagreements over whether AMD’s offerings are as good as Nvidia’s, “that’s not necessarily the issue if it’s a viable alternative,” he said, as companies are looking for more sources.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• opportunity 
• option 
• substitute