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

“Of course, everyone wants an alternative, and those alternatives will have good economics for some applications,” Moore said.

Read more on MarketWatch

Hahn, when asked if the board is considering alternatives if the ordinance fails to stand legal muster, said supervisors would “cross that bridge if we come to it.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The thought of being sent away keeps him up at night, but the alternative is nearly just as bad: “I’m afraid that I will be detained here for years,” he said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A cheaper alternative to CCTV, IP cameras - otherwise known as home cameras - connect to a home internet network and are often installed for security or to monitor the safety of children and pets.

Read more on BBC

It says "regulators and industry need to work together in setting transition periods" to bring alternatives to market.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• opportunity 
• option 
• substitute