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

Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternatives that minimise these risks.

From Science Daily

This gives them a warped incentive to put the most expensive medicines on formularies, with little regard for cheaper alternatives.

From Salon

They want an independent review to consider alternatives and a chance to offer their own solutions.

From BBC

These gains could make TPV a competitive alternative to other energy storage and conversion technologies like lithium-ion batteries, particularly in scenarios where long-term energy storage is needed.

From Science Daily

As a remedy, the town council has asked Yukon provincial officials if they could take an alternative oath.

From BBC

Related Words

• opportunity
• option
• substitute