Search results for 'alternative':

alternative adj 1 said of, strictly speaking, two, but often used of more than two, possibilities: secondary or different, especially in terms of being less favourable as a choice • had to make alternative travel plans. 2 said of a lifestyle, culture, etc: outside the conventionally accepted ways of doing something and therefore thought of by adherents as preferable. noun 1 the possibility of having the option to choose, strictly speaking, between two things but often used of more than two or of an unknown number • We had no alternative but to take the train. 2 something that represents another possible option • Going by train is always an alternative. alternatively adverb.
ETYMOLOGY: 16c: from Latin alternare to alternate.