Word
alternative
Phoneticsal·ter·na·tive, stress on the second syllable
US/ɔɫˈtɝnətɪv/
UK/ɔːltˈɜːnətˌɪv/
Definitions
01a different choice
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. one of two or more things that you can choose between.
n. one of several mutually exclusive possibilities or options available for selection.
日本語:代替※
“If you don't want to go by train, the only alternative is to drive.”
“The committee explored several viable alternatives to the proposed budget cuts, though none were as cost-effective as the original plan.”
Synonyms
02different or other
B1 · Intermediate
adj. different from the usual or traditional way of doing something.
adj. referring to a choice or possibility that is different from the one first mentioned or the one that is standard.
日本語:代替※
“We had to find an alternative route because the main road was closed.”
“The researcher suggested that alternative explanations for the data should be considered before a final conclusion is reached.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03non-traditional
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not traditional or mainstream, often used for music, medicine, or lifestyles.
adj. denoting a lifestyle, product, or artistic movement that exists outside the cultural mainstream.
Español:alternativo
“She prefers alternative medicine like acupuncture over taking pills.”
“The city's vibrant alternative scene provides a platform for experimental artists who struggle to find space in commercial galleries.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04alternative rock
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Music
n. a style of rock music that is different from popular, mainstream music.
n. a genre of rock music that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s.
“He listens to a lot of alternative from the nineties.”
“The festival lineup featured a mix of classic alternative and emerging indie bands from across Europe.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “alternative” in context.
Adjective
01. alternative approach
“We should try an alternative approach to solve this math problem.”
adj + noun
02. alternative choice
“If the hotel is full, we have an alternative choice just down the street.”
adj + noun
03. alternative explanation
“The scientist offered an alternative explanation for the results of the experiment.”
adj + noun
04. alternative form
“Solar power is an alternative form of energy that is becoming more popular.”
adj + noun
05. alternative formulation
“The chemist created an alternative formulation of the medicine to reduce side effects.”
adj + noun
06. alternative hypothesis
“The researchers are testing an alternative hypothesis to explain the data.”
adj + noun
07. alternative interpretation
“There is an alternative interpretation of the poem that focuses on nature.”
adj + noun
08. alternative means
“They had to find alternative means of transport when the trains stopped running.”
adj + noun
09. alternative measure
“The government is considering an alternative measure to control inflation.”
adj + noun
10. alternative method
“This alternative method of cooking uses much less oil.”
adj + noun
11. alternative model
“The school is testing an alternative model for classroom learning.”
adj + noun
12. alternative option
“If you don't like the chicken, the pasta is a great alternative option.”
adj + noun
Confusables
Alternate describes things that happen in turns or every other day, while alternative describes a different choice or possibility.
RememberAlternate = Every other. Alternative = Another option.
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂el- Proto-Indo-European *h₂élyos Proto-Italic *aljos Proto-Indo-European *-teros Proto-Italic *-teros Proto-Italic *aliteros Latin alter Proto-Indo-European *-nós Proto-Italic *-nos Latin -nus Latin alternus Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-eh₂yéti Proto-Italic *-āō Latin -ō Latin alternō Latin alternātus Proto-Indo-European *-wósder. Latin -īvus Latin alternātīvusder. Middle French alternatifbor. English alternative From Middle French alternatif, from Medieval Latin alternātīvus (“alternating”), from the participle stem of Latin alternō (“interchange, alternate”). Compare alternate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADVERB
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/alternative
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0