alternate
to switch between two things
To change from one thing to another again and again, usually in a regular way.
[someone/something] alternates between [A] and [B]
- During the workout, we alternate between running and walking every five minutes.
- The weather alternated between sunshine and heavy rain all afternoon.
- You should alternate study periods with short breaks to stay focused.
- The teacher alternated group work and individual tasks throughout the lesson.
- They alternate the night shifts so no one works late every day.
- I alternate between tea and coffee in the morning.
- The lights alternate between red and blue.
- We alternate work and rest every hour.
- She alternates between feeling happy and feeling sad.
- The two players alternate serving the ball.
every second in a sequence
Happening every other time or place, with one different thing between each.
on alternate [days/weeks/rows/etc.]
- I go to the gym on alternate days so my muscles can rest.
- We visit my parents on alternate weekends.
- Plant the flowers in alternate rows of red and white.
- He works alternate night shifts and day shifts.
- The cake had alternate layers of chocolate and vanilla.
- I wash my hair on alternate days.
- They meet on alternate Saturdays.
- The wall has alternate black and white lines.
- She works alternate mornings and evenings.
- We sit in alternate seats to have more space.
providing another possible option
Giving a different choice or plan when the first one is not possible or not wanted.
an alternate [plan/route/version/etc.]
- We need an alternate plan in case it rains during the event.
- The driver took an alternate route to avoid the traffic jam.
- The director filmed an alternate ending for the movie.
- Please suggest three alternate dates for the interview.
- They are exploring alternate energy sources to reduce pollution.
- We must have an alternate plan if this one fails.
- I know an alternate way to get to the airport.
- The boss asked for an alternate solution to the problem.
- The game has an alternate version with new rules.
- She offered an alternate date for the meeting.
substitute person or replacement
A person or thing that is ready to do the job of another person or thing if that one cannot do it.
[someone] is an alternate for [role/event]
- She was selected as an alternate on the Olympic team.
- If any juror becomes ill, an alternate will take their place.
- He served as an alternate member of the committee for two years.
- We need to name an alternate in case the main speaker is unavailable.
- As first alternate, you will play if any starting player is injured.
- He is an alternate on the basketball team.
- We chose her as an alternate in case John cannot come.
- The judge called an alternate when a juror got sick.
- I will go as an alternate if they need me.
- Each group must choose an alternate member.
geometry: alternate angles
In math, used for two angles on different sides of a line that cuts across two other lines, either inside or outside the two lines.
alternate [interior/exterior] angles
- When the two lines are parallel, alternate interior angles are equal.
- The teacher asked the class to mark all the alternate exterior angles in the diagram.
- Understanding alternate angles helps students prove that two lines are parallel.
- In this figure, angle A and angle B are alternate interior angles.
- The properties of alternate angles are often used in geometry proofs.
- In this picture, these two are alternate interior angles.
- We learned that alternate angles are equal when lines are parallel.
- Please draw all the alternate exterior angles on the line.
- The test has a question about alternate angles.
- Our teacher showed us how to find alternate angles.
- Base: alternate
- Base: alternate
- Plural: alternates
- Base: alternate
- 3rd Person Singular: alternates
- Present Participle: alternating
- Past: alternated
alternate between
1regularly switch between two things
To change from one thing to another and back again in a regular way.
- I alternate between reading and listening to music while I commute.
- The app lets you alternate between dark mode and light mode automatically.
- During the interview, he alternated between confidence and clear nervousness.
alternate plan
1backup or second plan
A second plan you can use if your first plan fails.
- We need an alternate plan in case the venue is not available.
- Our alternate plan is to hold the meeting online.
alternate reality
1different possible world
A different world that is imagined or possible, not the real world we live in.
- The movie is set in an alternate reality where history took a different path.
- Science fiction often explores alternate realities and timelines.
alternate route
1different way to travel
A different way to go to a place if the normal way is not good.
- The GPS suggested an alternate route to avoid the crash on the highway.
- We took an alternate route because the main road was flooded.
alternate universe
1parallel or different universe
A different universe that exists at the same time as ours in stories or theories.
- In this comic, the hero meets another version of himself from an alternate universe.
- Some stories imagine alternate universes where one small choice changed everything.
alternate with
1happen in turn with something
To happen one after another with another thing, like a pattern.
- Periods of heavy rain alternated with bright sunshine all day.
- Online classes alternate with in-person sessions this semester.
- Short videos alternate with text explanations in the course.
on alternate days
1every other day
Happening every other day, with one day on and one day off.
- I take this medicine on alternate days.
- They water the garden on alternate days to save water.
on alternate weekends
1every other weekend
Happening every other weekend, not every weekend.
- The children stay with their father on alternate weekends.
- We go hiking on alternate weekends when the weather is good.