alternative
al-ter-na-tive · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
One of two or more available possibilities.
- 2.
Available as another possibility or choice.
- 3.
Something that can be chosen instead of something else.
- 4.
Different from what is usual or traditional; unconventional.
Forms
plural: alternatives
Phrases & expressions
- •alternative energy — Energy from renewable or non-traditional sources.
- •alternative medicine — Medical treatments outside of conventional Western medicine.
- •alternative lifestyle — A way of living that differs from mainstream norms.
- •have no alternative — To have no other choice.
Related words
Etymology
From Medieval Latin alternativus, from Latin alternare ("to do by turns"), from alter ("other").