adverb
Uncommon
alternately
AWL-tur-nit-lee
Alternately (adverb) means taking turns, one after the other in a repeating order. Example: “The traffic lights turned red and green alternately.”
adverb
1
Taking turns, one after the other in a repeating order.
"The traffic lights turned red and green alternately."
"She works alternately from home and from the office."
"The scarf is knitted in alternately light and dark stripes."
2
chiefly North American, sometimes considered nonstandard Alternatively, or as another option.
"You could book a hotel, or alternately, stay with friends."
"We can meet on Monday, or alternately, later in the week."
How to use alternately
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing or being something in turns, one after another.
When to use it
The turn-taking sense is standard everywhere, while the 'as another option' sense is more restricted and some readers consider it a mistake.
Memory tip
If you mean 'as another option', alternatively is the safer choice in formal writing.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
alternately hot and cold
work alternately
alternately light and dark
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The traffic lights turned red and green _____.
Etymology
Alternately is built from the adjective alternate with the adverb-forming suffix -ly attached to it.
Synonyms
View more →
alternatingly
alternatively
Related words
Rhymes for alternately
See all rhymes for alternately →Frequently asked questions
What does alternately mean?
It describes something happening in turns, one after the other, in a repeating pattern.
Is alternately the same as alternatively?
In careful usage they differ: alternately means in turns, while alternatively means as another option. In North American English alternately is sometimes used to mean alternatively, though this is regarded by some as nonstandard.
How is alternately used in a sentence?
It is placed before the description of the turn-taking pattern, as in 'the days were alternately sunny and wet'.
What is the meaning of alternately?
"alternately" (adverb) means taking turns, one after the other in a repeating order.
