alternative
gb/ɔltˈɚnɪtɪv/ us/ɔltˈɚnɪtɪv/
B1
Anglais
~ 1900
Sens
0 sens
Nom
B1
entity
1
one of two or more options
Something you can choose instead of something else.
Schéma d’usage :
[something] is an alternative to [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'alternative' with 'alternate'. 'Alternative' is a choice; 'alternate' often means 'every other'.
Synonymes
option (A general term for something that can be chosen; very close in meaning but slightly broader.)
Antonymes
requirement (Implies something that must be done or chosen, leaving no other choices.)
Collocations
viable alternative
|better alternative
|alternative option
|alternative solution
|alternative approach
Thèmes
decision-making
|daily life
|business
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Exemples
- We need to find an alternative to plastic packaging.
- If the train is late, taking a bus is a good alternative.
- The teacher offered several alternatives for the final project.
- Walking is a healthy alternative to driving.
- There is no real alternative to hard work.
Exemples pédagogiques
- I have two alternatives for lunch.
- The bus is an alternative to the train.
- We need an alternative plan.
- This book is a good alternative to TV.
- She gave me three alternatives.
adjective
B1
property
2
offering a different option
Different from the usual thing; another choice.
Schéma d’usage :
alternative [plan/method/source/etc.]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes use 'alternate' instead of 'alternative' when describing a different choice. 'Alternate' usually means 'every second' or 'taking turns'.
Synonymes
different (General term for not the same, but less specific about being a choice.)
Antonymes
mainstream (Refers to the usual or widely accepted option rather than a different one.)
Collocations
alternative energy
|alternative medicine
|alternative lifestyle
|alternative route
Thèmes
daily life
|lifestyle
|innovation
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Exemples
- We should consider alternative sources of income.
- Many people are turning to alternative medicine.
- The committee discussed alternative strategies for growth.
- He lives an alternative lifestyle in the countryside.
- An alternative route will save us time.
Exemples pédagogiques
- We need an alternative plan for the trip.
- Alternative energy can help the planet.
- She uses alternative medicine for her health.
- This road is an alternative route to the city.
- They chose an alternative way to solve the problem.
adjective
B2
property
3
non-mainstream in culture or style
Different from normal culture, often in music, art, or lifestyle.
Schéma d’usage :
alternative [music/fashion/lifestyle/etc.]
Synonymes
nonconventional (Not following traditional norms; more formal.)
Antonymes
conventional (Following established norms and mainstream culture.)
Collocations
alternative music
|alternative fashion
|alternative scene
Thèmes
culture
|arts
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- She prefers alternative music over pop.
- The festival celebrates alternative art and performance.
- He became part of the local alternative scene in college.
- Alternative fashion often challenges traditional styles.
Exemples pédagogiques
- I like alternative music.
- He wears alternative clothes.
- She enjoys alternative art.
- This club plays alternative songs.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
alternative
API
GB/ɔltˈɚnɪtɪv/
US/ɔltˈɚnɪtɪv/
Syllabes et accentuation
al - tern - at - ive (4 syllabes)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tern)
Formes du mot
Adjective
- Base: alternative
Noun
- Base: alternative
- Plural: alternatives
Famille de mots
Forms
alternatives
noun
Core family
alternatively
adverb B2
Related words
alternate
verb B2
alternation
noun
Expressions
alternative to
1/ɔltˈɚnɪtɪv tə/
fixed phrase
a different thing instead of another
Something you can use or do instead of something else.
Exemples
- Public transport is a good alternative to driving.
- Soy milk is an alternative to cow's milk.
no alternative
1/nˈoʊ ɔltˈɚnɪtɪv/
fixed phrase
no other possible choice exists
There is nothing else you can choose or do.
Exemples
- We had no alternative but to cancel the trip.
- They left because they felt they had no alternative.
viable alternative
1/vˈaɪəbəl ɔltˈɚnɪtɪv/
fixed phrase
a practical and possible different choice
A choice that can work well instead of another one.
Exemples
- Cycling is a viable alternative to driving in the city.
- Online learning is now a viable alternative to classroom study.