alternative

American  

[awl-tur-nuh-tiv, al-] / ɔlˈtɜr nə tɪv, æl- /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Related Words

See choice.

Other Word Forms

• alternatively adverb
• alternativeness noun
• alternativity noun
• quasi-alternative adjective

Etymology

Origin of alternative

First recorded in 1580–90; alternate + -ive

Example Sentences

In short, annuities carry inflation risk, but so do most fixed-income alternatives—and a balanced strategy can manage it effectively.

From The Wall Street Journal

And under these circumstances it’s likely alternative plays like value, small and medium cap, and foreign stocks may outperform.

From MarketWatch

But could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

From BBC

The Washington-based think tank said Beijing’s policy plan demonstrated its intention to expand diplomatic and economic ties in Latin America, and position itself as an alternative to the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

It added affected ticket holders for the immersive dinosaur show were notified in advance and offered alternative sessions or a refund.

From BBC

Related Words

• opportunity
• option
• substitute