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[AWL-ter-ney]
Verb/Adjective/Noun
Definitions
- To interchange repeatedly and regularly with one another in time or place.
- Being in a constant state of succession or rotation; Constituting an alternative.
- A person authorized to fill the position, exercise the duties, etc., of another who is temporarily absent.
Examples
"You have to alternate with your brother in mowing the lawn."
"Create an alternate email for your social media accounts so your school email's inbox is not flooded with notifications."
"The alternate teacher is liked by the students and the faculty."
Synonyms
backupsubstitutesurrogateinterchangedoublestand-in
Antonyms
primarynoncyclic
Additional Notes
- The verb and adjective form evolved in the 1500s from the Latin alternus meaning 'one after the other.'
- Related to the word alternative which means 'giving a limited number of options.'