alternatively

[ awl-tur-nuh-tiv-lee, al- ]

/ ɔlˈtɜr nə tɪv li, æl- /

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adverb

as another choice or option:At the end of the unit, each group of students writes a book review or, alternatively, acts out a short scene from the book.

in a nonstandard, novel, or unconventional manner or style:We found significant differences between the traditionally and alternatively certified teachers with regard to classroom experience.You are not automatically more creative just because you're in an alternatively decorated meeting room.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of alternatively

alternative + -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM alternatively

qua·si-al·ter·na·tive·ly, adverb

Words nearby alternatively

alternative energy, alternative fuel, alternative history, alternative hypothesis, Alternative Investment Market, alternatively, alternative medicine, alternative pathway, alternative question, alternative school, alternative society

How to use alternatively in a sentence

The design, reported in a paper in Nature, is capable of 50 times the performance of state-of-the-art alternative cooling systems, according to the authors.
This Microchip Has Its Own Built-In Cooling System|Edd Gent|September 14, 2020|Singularity Hub
The U-T reports that officials are expected this week to talk about alternative policing models, including unarmed personnel who can respond to non-emergency situations.
Morning Report: Oceanside Reboots Top Cop Search|Voice of San Diego|September 14, 2020|Voice of San Diego
Apps that offer person-to-person experiences, like tutoring or telehealth, can also use alternative methods of payment beyond in-app purchases.
Apple revises App Store rules to permit game streaming apps, clarify in-app purchases and more|Sarah Perez|September 11, 2020|TechCrunch
Companies outside China may now feel pressure to reshore manufacturing to home countries or find more suitable low-cost alternatives in Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Americas.
COVID proves that companies need to reduce their dependence on China|matthewheimer|September 11, 2020|Fortune

The alternative is that they would sit in a hospital beyond medical necessity.
Hundreds of Children Are Stuck in Psychiatric Hospitals Each Year Despite the State’s Promises to Find Them Homes|by Duaa Eldeib|September 11, 2020|ProPublica
Sudden peace, buoyancy, contentment, or alternatively sorrow or physical pain.
Knocking on Heaven's Door: True Stories of Unexplained, Uncanny Experiences at the Hour of Death|Patricia Pearson|August 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Alternatively, there is an informal proposal to set up a special inquiry into atrocities in Syria.
U.S.: Assad’s ‘Machinery of Death’ Worst Since the Nazis|Josh Rogin|July 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Or, alternatively, we could run away scot-free down Fifth Avenue and pause now and then to inseminate someone.
The Ridiculousness of Father's Day|P. J. O’Rourke|June 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Or, alternatively, why should we think that the way the state has currently determined that question is the correct one?
How Cliven Bundy and the Land Rights Movement Screws Native Americans|Caitlin Dickson|May 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Alternatively, Paul could just coast to an easy senate reelection and enjoy life on the 2016 sidelines.
President or Senator? Pick One, Rand Paul|Myra Adams|March 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Alternatively mesta—curds; the usual form of dairy produce hereabouts—identical with Jaels Butter in a lordly dish.
The Cradle of Mankind|W.A. Wigram
Ellan or Hellan was alternatively entitled Hellas, and in Greek the word allos meant “the one”.
Archaic England|Harold Bayley
There is not a Day but some Assembly is held here at one House or another alternatively.
The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume II|Karl Ludwig von Pllnitz
The name of the fat lad, known alternatively as Nick/Buster, and Bumpus, has been retained as in the original.
Motor Boat Boys' River Chase|Louis Arundel
It was alternatively destroyed and rebuilt several times till its last reconstruction in 1853.
Historic Paris|Jetta S. Wolff