Alternative
Definition
Alternative can function as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it refers to one of two or more available options. As an adjective, it describes something available as another possibility or choice, often differing from the conventional or standard approach.
Parts of Speech
- Noun
- Adjective
Pronunciation
American English
- IPA Pronunciation: /ɔːlˈtɜrnətɪv/
- Respelling: awl-TUR-nuh-tiv
British English
- IPA Pronunciation: /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv/
- Respelling: awl-TUR-nuh-tiv
The pronunciation of "alternative" is similar in both American and British English, with minor variations in the vowel sounds.
Etymology
The word "alternative" originates from the Latin "alternare," meaning "to interchange" or "do by turns," derived from "alter," meaning "the other" of two. It entered Middle English through Old French as "alternatif."
Derivatives
- Alternatively (adverb)
- Alternation (noun)
- Alternate (verb/adjective)
- Alternative medicine (noun phrase)
- Alternative rock (noun phrase)
Synonyms
- Option
- Choice
- Substitute
Antonyms
- Standard
- Conventional
- Traditional
Usage
The term "alternative" is commonly used to describe options that differ from the usual or established choices, as in "They offered an alternative solution to the problem." It also applies to cultural movements or practices that differ from the mainstream, like "alternative music."
Related Terms
- Option: A choice available among several possibilities.
- Replacement: Something that takes the place of another.
- Variant: Something that differs slightly from a standard form.
Detailed Definitions
Noun
- One of two or more available choices or possibilities: Refers to an option available in addition to the usual one.
- Example: "If the train is delayed, another alternative is to take the bus."
Adjective
- Available as a different choice from the conventional: Describes something that serves as another option or differs from the standard.
- Example: "They sought alternative methods to reduce costs."
- Relating to lifestyles, practices, or ideas outside the mainstream: Often used to describe approaches or subcultures distinct from established norms.
- Example: "Alternative music gained popularity in the 1990s."
alternative
When the main road was congested, I decided to take an alternative path.
Increasingly, people are exploring alternative medicine practices like acupuncture and herbal therapy as a complement to conventional healthcare.
Alternative sources of energy are important for reducing carbon emissions.
🇨🇳 Mandarin
- 替代 (tìdài) / tìdài / 'tee-dye' - refers to "substitute" or "replacement" in the context of an alternative.
- 另类 (lìnglèi) / lìnglèi / 'leeng-lay' - refers to the meaning of "different kind" or "non-conventional".
🇮🇳 Hindi
- विकल्प (vikalp) / vɪkəlp / 'vi-ka-lp' - general term for "alternative".
- प्रतिस्थापन (pratisthaapan) / prətɪst̪ʰaːpən / 'pra-ti-sthaa-pan' - more specifically means "substitute".
🇪🇸 Spanish
- Alternativa / alteɾˈnatiβa / 'al-ter-na-tee-va' - general term for "alternative".
- Opción / opˈsjon / 'op-cyon' - it can mean "option" in the context of an alternative.
🇫🇷 French
- Alternative / alteʁnaˈtiv / 'al-ter-na-teev' - this is a cognate with the English word "alternative".
- Option / ɔpˈsjɔ̃ / 'op-syon' - can also be used to indicate a choice or alternative.
🇸🇦 Modern Standard Arabic
- بديل (badil) / badiːl / 'ba-deel' - refers to a replacement or substitute as an alternative.
- خيار آخر (khyaar akhar) / χajaːr ˈʔaxar / 'kh-ya-ar a-khar' - literally translates to "another choice".
🇧🇩 Bengali
- বিকল্প (Bikalpa) / bɪkɔlpɔ / 'bi-kol-po' - the most common word for "alternative".
- প্রতিস্থাপন (Protisthapon) / pro̯t̪ist̪ʰapon / 'pro-ti-stha-pon' - refers to a substitute or replacement.
🇷🇺 Russian
- Альтернатива (Alternativa) / ɐlʲtʲɪrnɐˈtʲivə / 'al-tyer-na-tee-va' - directly corresponds to the English word "alternative".
- Замена (Zamena) / zɐˈmʲenə / 'za-me-na' - can be used in the sense of a substitute or replacement.
🇵🇹 Portuguese
- Alternativa / aɫtɛɾˈnativɐ / 'al-ter-na-tee-va' - directly corresponds to the English word "alternative".
- Opção / oˈpʃɐ̃w̃ / 'op-shown' - it can also mean "option" in the context of an alternative.
🇮🇩 Indonesian
- Alternatif / alternatif / 'al-ter-na-teef' -the direct translation of "alternative".
- Pilihan lain / pilɪhɑn lɑin / 'pi-li-han lain' - literally translates to "other choice".
🇩🇪 German
- Alternative / altɛʁnaˈtiːvə / 'al-ter-na-tee-va' - cognate with the English word "alternative".
- Wahl / vaːl / 'vahl' - can also mean "choice" or "option" in the context of an alternative.
🇯🇵 Japanese
- 代替 (Daitai) / daɪtaɪ / 'dai-tai' - refers to "substitute" or "replacement" in the context of an alternative.
- 別の選択 (Betsu no sentaku) / betsɯ no seɴtakɯ / 'be-tsu no sen-ta-ku' - literally translates to "another choice".
🇻🇳 Vietnamese
- Thay thế / tʰaj˧ˀ˨ʔ tʰe˧˩ / 'thay the' - means "replace", which can be used in the context of an alternative.
- Lựa chọn khác / lʊə˨˩ cʰɔ˧˧ŋ kʰaːk˧˧ / 'lua chon khac' - literally translates to "another choice".
🇰🇷 Korean
- 대안 (Daean) / tɛ.an / 'de-an' - the most common word for "alternative".
- 교체 (Gyoche) / ɡjo.tɕhe / 'gyo-che' - refers to "replacement" or "substitute".
🇹🇷 Turkish
- Alternatif / alteɾnaˈtif / 'al-ter-na-teef' - direct translation of "alternative".
- Seçenek / seˈd͡ʒenec / 'se-je-nek' - means "option", often used in the context of an alternative.
🇵🇰 Urdu
- بدیل (Badeel) / bəˈdiːl / 'ba-deel' - refers to "replacement" or "substitute" in the context of an alternative.
- متبادل (Mutabadil) / mʊtəˈbɑːdɪl / 'mu-ta-ba-dil' - directly corresponds to the English word "alternative".
