v.
/
ˈɔːltəneɪt,
ˈɒl-/
occur or do in turn repeatedly.
▸change repeatedly between two contrasting conditions.
adj.
/
ɔːlˈtəːnət,
ɒl-/
- every other.
▸(of two things) each following and succeeded by the other in a regular pattern.
▸Botany (of leaves or shoots) placed alternately on the two sides of the stem.
- chiefly N. Amer. another term for alternative.
n.
/
ɔːlˈtəːnət,
ɒl-/
N. Amer. a deputy or substitute.
Derivative
- alternately adv.
- alternation n.
Usage
The use of alternate to mean alternative is common in North American English, though still generally regarded as incorrect in Britain.
Etymology
C16 (earlier (ME) as alternation): from L. alternare (see alternative).