alternate
alternate
Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense alternates, present participle alternating , past tense, past participle alternated pronunciation note: The verb is pronounced (ɔːltəʳneɪt ). The adjective and noun are pronounced (ɔːltɜːʳnət ).
1. verb
When you alternate two things, you keep using one then the other. When one thing alternates with another, the first regularly occurs after the other.
Her aggressive moods alternated with gentle or more co-operative states. [VERB + with]
The three acts will alternate as headliners throughout the tour. [VERB]
Now you just alternate layers of that mixture and eggplant. [VERB noun]
The band alternated romantic love songs with bouncy dance numbers. [VERB noun + with]
...an imaginative novel, with alternating chapters presenting each partner's point of view. [VERB-ing]
[Also + between]alternation (ɔːltəʳneɪʃən )Word forms: plural alternations variable noun
The alternation of sun and snow continued for the rest of our holiday. [+ of]
2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
Alternate actions, events, or processes regularly occur after each other.
They were streaked with alternate bands of colour.
alternately adverb [ADVERB with verb, ADVERB adjective]
He could alternately bully and charm people.
She became alternately angry and calm.
3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
4. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
5. countable noun
An alternate is a person or thing that replaces another, and can act or be used instead of them.
[US]In most jurisdictions, twelve jurors and two alternates are chosen.
The six food groups include grain products, vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products, meats and meat alternates, and a miscellaneous group.
6. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
Alternate is sometimes used, especially in American English, instead of alternative in meanings 3, 4, and 5.
...an alternate lifestyle.
