adj B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

alternate

ol-TUR-nuht

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Alternate (adj) means happening in turns, first one thing then the other, repeatedly. Example: “Bins are collected on alternate Tuesdays, so check the calendar before putting them out.”

adj

Happening in turns, first one thing then the other, repeatedly.

"Bins are collected on alternate Tuesdays, so check the calendar before putting them out."

"The fence posts were painted in alternate colors."

"She works alternate weekends at the clinic."

noun

A person or thing standing in as a substitute for another.

"The coach brought an alternate in case one of the players fell ill."

"Each delegate has a named alternate who can vote when they are away."

"He was named as an alternate juror in case someone dropped out."

verb

To switch back and forth between two things in a regular pattern.

"Alternate between hot and cold water to ease the sore muscles."

"The weather will alternate between sunshine and heavy showers all week."

"The two singers alternated verses throughout the song."

How to use alternate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTaking turns, or a stand-in that takes someone's place when needed.

Common mistake

In American English "alternate" is often used where British English prefers "alternative" (a different choice) — the adjective meanings overlap but aren't identical.

UK vs US

British English tends to keep "alternate" (taking turns) and "alternative" (a different option) separate; American usage blurs the two more freely.

Easily confused with

alternative →

Common pairings

alternate days alternate route alternate juror

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: alternates
Third person singular: alternates
Past tense: alternated

Test yourself on “alternate” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Bins are collected on _____ Tuesdays, so check the calendar before putting them out.

Etymology

From Latin alternatus, past participle of alternare ("to take turns"), from alternus ("one after another"), ultimately from alter, "other."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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substitute backup stand-in reserve deputy understudy alternative alternating replacement surrogate jump switch

Antonyms

opposite

Related words

other start support exactly choice direct spring rise

Rhymes for alternate

ate date rate mate abate slate plate state create update locate emirate

See all rhymes for alternate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “alternate” mean?

The word “alternate” means happening in turns, first one thing then the other, repeatedly. In plain terms, taking turns, or a stand-in that takes someone's place when needed.

How do you pronounce “alternate”?

“Alternate” is pronounced ol-TUR-nuht (/ˈɔl.tɚ.nət/ in IPA).

How do you use “alternate” in a sentence?

Here is “alternate” used in a sentence: “The fence posts were painted in alternate colors.”

What is another word for “alternate”?

Words with a similar meaning to “alternate” include seesaw and interchange.

What part of speech is “alternate”?

Depending on how it is used, “alternate” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “alternate” come from?

The word “alternate” comes from Latin. From Latin alternatus, past participle of alternare ("to take turns"), from alternus ("one after another"), ultimately from alter, "other.".

Is “alternate” a common word?

“Alternate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “alternate” have?

“Alternate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: happening in turns, first one thing then the other, repeatedly.

What is the difference between alternate and alternative?

'Alternate' as an adjective means happening in turns, first one then the other, as in 'alternate stripes.' 'Alternative' means a different option or choice, as in 'an alternative plan.' In American English, 'alternate' is also sometimes used to mean a substitute or option, which can blur the two.

Why does alternate sound different as an adjective and a verb?

The pronunciation shifts with the part of speech. The adjective and noun 'alternate' end with a lighter final syllable, while the verb 'to alternate,' meaning to take turns, stresses the last syllable more strongly. Same spelling, but the stress helps signal whether it is a describing word or an action.

What is the difference between an alternate and a substitute?

As a noun, an 'alternate' is a person or thing standing in as a substitute for another, so the two are close in meaning. 'Alternate' is common in formal contexts such as juries or delegations, where a named alternate is ready to step in. 'Substitute' is the more everyday, general word.

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