alternative
noun (countable)
UK/ɔːlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv/US/ɔːlˈtɝː.nə.tɪv/
one of two or more available possibilities or choices
Example Sentences
When the main route was closed, they had to find an alternative to reach their destination.
She considered several alternatives before deciding on the best course of action.
Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are important alternatives to fossil fuels.
If the original plan doesn't work, we'll need to explore alternative strategies to achieve our goals.
They offered an alternative solution that addressed all the stakeholders' concerns effectively.
As an alternative to traditional medicine, many people are turning to holistic therapies.
He chose the vegetarian option as an alternative to the meat dishes available on the menu.
The committee discussed various alternatives to the proposed budget cuts, aiming to preserve essential services.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
adjective
UK/ɔːlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv/US/ɔːlˈtɝː.nə.tɪv/
available as another possibility or option; acting as a substitute or replacement
Example Sentences
They decided to take an alternative route to avoid the traffic jam.
She pursued an alternative career path in graphic design instead of accounting.
The alternative energy project aims to reduce the community's reliance on non-renewable resources.
As an alternative to coffee, he started drinking herbal tea in the mornings.
The restaurant offers several alternative dishes to cater to various dietary preferences.
They explored alternative housing options, including tiny homes and co-living spaces.
The committee proposed an alternative plan that better addressed the project's long-term sustainability.
Using alternative materials can significantly lower production costs and reduce environmental impact.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A different choice, approach, or solution offering new possibilities.In both everyday language and professional contexts, the term is commonly used to suggest a second or different option that stands apart from the usual choice. It can function as a noun (e.g., “We need an alternative to this plan”) or an adjective (e.g., “We should explore alternative strategies”). When applying this term, clarity on what it is being contrasted with is crucial, ensuring that readers or listeners fully grasp the distinction. For instance, if discussing energy sources, you might refer to solar and wind power as alternative forms of energy, highlighting their difference from fossil fuels. In discussions about medicine, “alternative medicine” typically designates methods outside mainstream Western approaches, such as acupuncture or herbal treatments. In professional or academic writing, “alternative” often signals a possibility that can be explored when a standard option fails or proves suboptimal. For instance, a company might adopt alternative marketing strategies if conventional advertising no longer appeals to customers. In discussions of consumer goods, the word suggests products that differ from the typical selection, possibly offering various advantages such as cost savings, ecological benefits, or convenience. When employing “alternative,” it helps to give some contextual grounding: identify what the primary or mainstream choice is and how the new option stands out. This clarity aids your audience in seeing the benefits or distinguishing features of the alternative. If you simply say “We’re choosing an alternative path,” you might leave them guessing what that path entails and why you consider it better or more suitable. Therefore, pairing “alternative” with specific details—like price, feasibility, environmental impact, or cultural appropriateness—is key. Overall, “alternative” is a powerful word that opens people’s minds to new ways of thinking, new resources, or different paths of action. As you incorporate it into conversations or writing, focus on emphasizing how the concept diverges from the ordinary and what unique advantages or insights it brings.
Alternatives
Sometimes, you might prefer words like “option,” “substitute,” or “another possibility” to convey the idea that there is more than one choice at hand. For instance, if you’re writing an academic paper, “option” can be succinct and direct. Meanwhile, “substitute” can signal a more direct replacement for something specific—be it a product, a method, or a solution. Other synonyms include “stand-in,” used when you want to indicate a temporary or provisional replacement. “Plan B” is a less formal alternative that conveys the idea of a backup or contingency arrangement. “Choice,” of course, is the most basic term, effectively reminding your audience that a decision among multiple routes exists. These alternatives may feel more natural depending on your context. When writing or speaking in an informal setting, using “another possibility” can help maintain approachability. If you need to sound more sophisticated or specialized, “option,” “substitute,” or “contingent solution” might fit better. By varying your word choice, you help maintain your readers’ interest, avoid redundancy, and tailor your language to the situation or audience at hand. Choosing the right synonym for “alternative” can thus strengthen your argument, making it clear that there is more than one path to consider.
Writing
When aiming for clarity in formal writing, use “alternative” and its synonyms precisely to outline other possibilities or standpoints. For example, you might say, “An alternative methodology could yield faster results,” or “Exploring alternative viewpoints fosters robust academic discourse.” In these contexts, providing context is essential: specify what the main approach is and why you recommend considering something different. Offering data or facts to support the viability of alternatives helps persuade readers of their merit. Structure your content by laying out the conventional option first, then presenting the alternative with clear supporting evidence. Explain why the alternative might be more efficient, cost-effective, or better aligned with an audience’s objectives. This approach maintains a professional tone while ensuring coherence. By deliberately using “alternative,” you highlight possibilities that expand beyond the conventional scope, encouraging deeper inquiry, debate, and innovation in your writing.
Casual Conversation
In day-to-day conversation, you might say something like, “Let’s try an alternative restaurant tonight—maybe a new cuisine.” This relaxed use of the term signals a simple shift from the usual plan to something fresh. In casual contexts, you can pair “alternative” with more colloquial vocabulary to convey spontaneity and a willingness to deviate from the routine. For instance, “We should find an alternative hangout spot; this café is getting too crowded,” or “I need an alternative solution for dinner since the fridge is empty.” These simple, everyday examples show how “alternative” easily inserts itself into speech to highlight novel ideas, break routine, or explore new experiences. Friends might appreciate hearing about different options rather than repeating the same scenarios. Overall, using “alternative” in casual chats helps others see that there’s more than one choice available, often paving the way for exciting, memorable experiences.
Etymology
The word “alternative” comes from the Latin “alternare,” meaning “to do by turns,” which traces back to “alter,” signifying “other.” Over the centuries, “alternative” has developed to emphasize choice between two or more distinct paths or ideas. In Medieval Latin, derivatives of “alter” were central in contexts involving alternating patterns or mutual exchange of positions. By the 16th and 17th centuries, English speakers were using “alternative” to highlight a secondary or different choice when the primary one was deemed undesirable or inadequate. Over time, the concept of “alternative” grew to include broader meanings, such as “alternative rock” in the music scene of the late 20th century, or “alternative medicine” as a distinct category from conventional medical practices. These expansions reflect society’s ongoing inclination to seek fresh, sometimes revolutionary ways to meet needs or achieve goals. The modern usage underscores creativity, openness, and adaptability—recognizing that multiple pathways can exist in life, commerce, science, and the arts.
