English
alternative
Pronunciation
  • (RP) IPA: /ˌɒlˈtɜːnətɪv/
  • (GA) IPA: /ˌɔlˈtɝnəɾɪv/
  • (cot–caught merger) IPA: /ˌɑlˈtɝnəɾɪv/
Adjective

alternative (not comparable)

  1. Relating to a choice between two or more possibilities.
    an alternative proposition
  2. Not traditional, outside the mainstream, underground.
    alternative medicine; alternative lifestyle; alternative rock
  3. Other; different from something else.
  4. Alternate, reciprocal.
Translations Translations Noun

alternative (plural alternatives)

  1. A situation which allows a mutually exclusive choice between two or more possibilities; a choice between two or more possibilities. [from 17th c.]
    • 1817, Walter Scott, Rob Roy, XI:
      ‘The cloister or a betrothed husband?’ I echoed—‘Is that the alternative destined for Miss Vernon?’
  2. One of several mutually exclusive things which can be chosen. [from 17th c.]
    • 1803, Chief Justice John Marshall, Marbury v. Madison:
      Between these alternatives there is no middle ground. The Constitution is either a superior, paramount law, unchangeable by ordinary means, or it is on a level with ordinary legislative acts, and, like other acts, is alterable when the legislature shall please to alter it.
  3. The remaining option; something available after other possibilities have been exhausted. [from 18th c.]
  4. (uncountable, music) alternative rock
Synonyms Translations Translations

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