Definition of 'alternative'

Word Frequency

alternative

(ɔːltɜːʳnətɪv )

Word forms: plural alternatives

1. countable noun

If one thing is an alternative to another, the first can be found, used, or done instead of the second.

New ways to treat arthritis may provide an alternative to painkillers. [+ to]

Synonyms: substitute, choice, other, option More Synonyms of alternative

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

An alternative plan or offer is different from the one that you already have, and can be done or used instead.

There were alternative methods of travel available.

They had a right to seek alternative employment.

Synonyms: different, other, substitute, alternate More Synonyms of alternative

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Alternative is used to describe something that is different from the usual things of its kind, or the usual ways of doing something, in modern Western society. For example, an alternative lifestyle does not follow conventional ways of living and working.

...unconventional parents who embraced the alternative lifestyle of the Sixties.

If you like alternative comedy you'll love this book.

4. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Alternative medicine uses traditional ways of curing people, such as medicines made from plants, massage, and acupuncture.

...alternative health care.

5. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Alternative energy uses natural sources of energy such as the sun, wind, or water for power and fuel, rather than oil, coal, or nuclear power.

More Synonyms of alternative

Video: pronunciation of
alternative

alternative in British English

(ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv )

noun

a possibility of choice, esp between two things, courses of action, etc

either of such choices

we took the alternative of walking

adjective

presenting a choice, esp between two possibilities only

(of two things) mutually exclusive

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

6. logic another word for disjunctive (sense 3)

Derived forms

alternatively (alˈternatively)

adverb

alternativeness (alˈternativeness)

noun

Word Frequency

alternative in American English

(ɔlˈtɜrnətɪv ; ælˈtɜrnətɪv )

adjective

providing or being a choice between two or among more than two things

alternative routes

designating or of an institution, enterprise, etc. that appeals to unconventional or nontraditional interests

an alternative school

noun

a choice between two or among more than two things

either or one of the things to be chosen

something remaining to be chosen

is there an alternative to going?

SIMILAR WORDS: choice

Derived forms

alternatively (alˈternatively)

adverb

Word origin

ML alternativus: see alternate

Word Frequency

alternative in American English

(ɔlˈtɜːrnətɪv, æl-)

noun

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

one of the things, propositions, or courses of action that can be chosen

The alternative to riding is walking

a possible or remaining course or choice

There was no alternative but to walk

adjective

affording a choice of two or more things, propositions, or courses of action

5. (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

employing or following nontraditional or unconventional ideas, methods, etc.; existing outside the establishment

an alternative newspaper

alternative lifestyles

7. Logic (of a proposition)

asserting two or more choices, at least one of which is true

Also (for defs. 1–4, 6): alternate

Derived forms

alternatively

adverb

alternativeness alternativity

noun

Word origin

[1580–90; alternate + -ive]

Examples of 'alternative' in a sentence
alternative

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

He hopes to find alternative jobs for them.An alternative is to provide physical protection to the fibre cabling in the form of a steel tube.She appealed for more youth centres and job opportunities for young people as alternative ways to combat radicalisation.It is hard to see the point in having them if they are built on when alternatives are available.It added that it was open to considering alternative approaches for smaller advisory companies where recording may be harder.Its products meet the challenges of ageing electricity infrastructure, digitisation and alternative energy sources.He didn't give an alternative explanation either. Always look on the bright side of life: the alternative may be not looking at any side of life at all.The next issue is how extensive the obstruction is: is there space to get round your car, or an alternative route?There are compelling arguments to make this alternative available.