Definition of alternative in English:

alternative

adjective ɒlˈtəːnətɪvɔːlˈtəːnətɪvɔlˈtərnədɪv

1attributive (of one or more things) available as another possibility or choice.
（一或多个事物）另外的，可供选择的
the various alternative methods for resolving disputes
解决争端的多种其他方式。
Example sentencesExamples
- Can you talk about how and why it was humanism that triumphed over alternative possibilities?
- They are being offered alternative seats as similar as possible to the ones they have at Maine Road.
- It is perfectly possible that an alternative government would overturn a hunting ban.
- An alternative surface level crossing is also available, so road crossing is unaffected.
- In recent years several sites have been examined as a possible alternative home for the Abbey.
- In fact the experience made me wish that I had taken an alternative form of transport.
- The council wants children to be aware of alternative, greener methods of getting to school.
- Walsh says the company will just have to be innovative in seeking alternative forms of finance.
- Which of all the uneliminated alternative possibilities may not properly be ignored?
- An alternative method is to use a blow torch which will soften the varnish or paint, allowing easy removal with a scraper.
- Our lease expires next year and we need to find an alternative home as quickly as possible.
- He even suggests that the argument has merit by moving onto the issue of possible alternative sources of funding.
- Where such data are not available, there are alternative ways of securing suitable information.
- Peanut flour is a cheap and quick alternative method for thickening dishes.
- If it is not available, an alternative venue would have to be found or the hearing adjourned.
- I mean they ought to be able to reflect on possible alternative views, and some do.
- Occasionally, though, I do browse around for alternative flavours and new experiences.
- Bosses have promised to find alternative jobs within the company for as many people as possible.
- Organisers have also made sure there will be alternative traffic routes available.
- We will be contacting them again when an alternative service is available.
Synonyms
different, other, another, second, possible, substitute, replacement
deputy, relief, proxy, surrogate, cover, fill-in, stand-in
standby, emergency, reserve, backup, auxiliary, fallback
North American alternate
North American informal pinch-hitting
1. 1.1 (of two things) mutually exclusive.
  （两者）互不相容的，非此即彼的
  the facts fit two alternative scenarios
  事实与两种互不相容的预期模式相符。
  Example sentencesExamples
  The alternative scenario is not one that City fans will want to think too much about.
  The book answers all these questions by analogy, with instances from the alternative America of the novel.
  The only legal alternative, a fresh set of elections, would solve nothing.
  So until the alternative route is available I expect to be able to use the existing roadway for access purposes.
  It is in the public interest that they be both experienced and expert: the alternative is unacceptable.
2Relating to activities that depart from or challenge traditional norms.
an alternative lifestyle
一种标新立异的生活方式。
Example sentencesExamples
- Terror Trax was a haven for what we hoped would be the next phase of alternative music.
- Both traditional doctors and alternative therapists work to the best of their ability in any given situation.
- Here in the States, alternative media have become extremely compartmentalised.
- Listening to this record momentarily makes one feel that all is well in alternative music.
- They insisted it was the only venue for alternative music in this city of 850,000 people.
- The music is mainstream alternative pop and rock music, with little or no variation.
- I was living an alternative lifestyle before anyone had thought of the expression.
- Look at some of the most experimental alternative music going around at the moment.
- Coldplay were also winners, taking the alternative music album award for Parachutes.
- Bizarrely, it completely omits any reference to alternative lifestyles or kinks of any kind.
- Witchcraft has come out of the shadows and is entering British society as a viable alternative lifestyle.
- Find the best alternative therapy for your lifestyle and health needs.
- It used to sell books and pamphlets about alternative cultures and lifestyles.
- Are you influenced by alternative music, is that something you have a passion for?
- There are lots of alternative lifestyles in the area, as can be seen by the area's cafés and stores.
- I think this is what appealed to our adolescent selves, as it appeals to a lot of fans of alternative music.
- The band Hell is for Heroes has denounced it as ‘a great blow to alternative music’.
- They've been known to hassle people who choose alternative lifestyles and dodge taxes.
- She loves alternative music and watching all sorts of sports though she says she is a total loser at most of them.
- An article such as this one marks a sad day in the realm of so-called alternative press.
Synonyms
unorthodox, unconventional, non-standard, unusual, uncommon, unwonted, out of the ordinary, radical, revolutionary, nonconformist, unconforming, irregular, offbeat, off-centre, avant-garde
original, new, novel, fresh
eccentric, exotic, Bohemian, idiosyncratic, abnormal, extreme, divergent, aberrant, anomalous, bizarre, outlandish, perverse
informal off the wall, oddball, way-out, cranky, zany
rare heteroclite

noun ɒlˈtəːnətɪvɔːlˈtəːnətɪvɔlˈtərnədɪv

One of two or more available possibilities.
（一或多个事物）另外的，可供选择的
audio cassettes are an interesting alternative to reading
有声磁带是阅读之外的另一有趣选择。
she had no alternative but to break the law
她除了违反法律之外别无选择。
Example sentencesExamples
- She is a constant reminder that an alternative was once possible, which might flower again.
- We cannot say that alternatives have not been tried but it is possible that we have not tried hard enough.
- Shouldn't we take this opportunity to review the situation and debate alternatives?
- Each client is informed about what foods to avoid and advised about alternatives they can eat and drink.
- It assumes that citizens are rational and aware of all possible alternatives.
- This had been set up by left wing activists as an alternative to the mainstream, segregated colleges.
- Our task is to ensure that there are real alternatives from which people may choose.
- You are better off to have a number of alternatives available to you in case of an emergency.
- It is not as if there is some ready alternative available to citizens carrying out official duties.
- The lack of alternatives to an illegal action does not legitimise that action.
- It will also be a great chance to discuss what sort of alternatives to capitalism are possible.
- Teenagers at the meeting said they hung around on street corners as there were no alternatives for them.
- Are there no alternatives that might provide better options for gay people?
- There is no excuse for wearing real fur with so many humane alternatives now available.
- In the light of the discontent on the back-benches, we have to have alternatives.
- It's making me feel better just knowing that I have alternatives to the current situation.
- The evening that it started, the local news ran a story on possible alternatives to driving.
- Ministers claim that an adequate alternative is available for men and women who are cohabiting.
- If you don't want to go the whole hog by designing and building your own house, there are alternatives.
- The launch of Oven Chips offered a healthier and more convenient alternative to traditional chips.
Synonyms
option, choice, other possibility
substitute, replacement, proxy, reserve, surrogate, stand-in
possible course of action, resort, way out

Usage

Some traditionalists maintain that you can only have a maximum of two alternatives, because the word alternative comes from Latin alter ‘other (of two)’) and that uses where there are more than two alternatives are wrong. Such uses are, however, normal in modern standard English. See also alternate

Origin

Mid 16th century (in the sense 'alternating, alternate'): from French alternatif, -ive or medieval Latin alternativus, from Latin alternare 'interchange' (see alternate).

Definition of alternative in US English:

alternative

adjectiveɔlˈtərnədɪvôlˈtərnədiv

1attributive (of one or more things) available as another possibility.
（一或多个事物）另外的，可供选择的
the various alternative methods for resolving disputes
解决争端的多种其他方式。
the alternative definition of democracy as popular power
民主作为大众权力的另一种定义。
Example sentencesExamples
- I mean they ought to be able to reflect on possible alternative views, and some do.
- It is perfectly possible that an alternative government would overturn a hunting ban.
- Can you talk about how and why it was humanism that triumphed over alternative possibilities?
- An alternative surface level crossing is also available, so road crossing is unaffected.
- Our lease expires next year and we need to find an alternative home as quickly as possible.
- Organisers have also made sure there will be alternative traffic routes available.
- In fact the experience made me wish that I had taken an alternative form of transport.
- Bosses have promised to find alternative jobs within the company for as many people as possible.
- Where such data are not available, there are alternative ways of securing suitable information.
- We will be contacting them again when an alternative service is available.
- They are being offered alternative seats as similar as possible to the ones they have at Maine Road.
- In recent years several sites have been examined as a possible alternative home for the Abbey.
- If it is not available, an alternative venue would have to be found or the hearing adjourned.
- Peanut flour is a cheap and quick alternative method for thickening dishes.
- He even suggests that the argument has merit by moving onto the issue of possible alternative sources of funding.
- An alternative method is to use a blow torch which will soften the varnish or paint, allowing easy removal with a scraper.
- Occasionally, though, I do browse around for alternative flavours and new experiences.
- The council wants children to be aware of alternative, greener methods of getting to school.
- Walsh says the company will just have to be innovative in seeking alternative forms of finance.
- Which of all the uneliminated alternative possibilities may not properly be ignored?
Synonyms
different, other, another, second, possible, substitute, replacement
1. 1.1 (of two things) mutually exclusive.
  （两者）互不相容的，非此即彼的
  the facts fit two alternative scenarios
  事实与两种互不相容的预期模式相符。
  Example sentencesExamples
  The only legal alternative, a fresh set of elections, would solve nothing.
  The book answers all these questions by analogy, with instances from the alternative America of the novel.
  The alternative scenario is not one that City fans will want to think too much about.
  So until the alternative route is available I expect to be able to use the existing roadway for access purposes.
  It is in the public interest that they be both experienced and expert: the alternative is unacceptable.
2. 1.2 Relating to behavior that is considered unconventional and is often seen as a challenge to traditional norms.
  行为标新立异的（尤指对传统准则构成挑战的不从习俗行为），另类的
  an alternative lifestyle
  一种标新立异的生活方式。
  they have one foot in alternative music and the other in rock
  Example sentencesExamples
  Coldplay were also winners, taking the alternative music album award for Parachutes.
  There are lots of alternative lifestyles in the area, as can be seen by the area's cafés and stores.
  Both traditional doctors and alternative therapists work to the best of their ability in any given situation.
  She loves alternative music and watching all sorts of sports though she says she is a total loser at most of them.
  Bizarrely, it completely omits any reference to alternative lifestyles or kinks of any kind.
  Find the best alternative therapy for your lifestyle and health needs.
  I think this is what appealed to our adolescent selves, as it appeals to a lot of fans of alternative music.
  Are you influenced by alternative music, is that something you have a passion for?
  They insisted it was the only venue for alternative music in this city of 850,000 people.
  I was living an alternative lifestyle before anyone had thought of the expression.
  Witchcraft has come out of the shadows and is entering British society as a viable alternative lifestyle.
  Terror Trax was a haven for what we hoped would be the next phase of alternative music.
  Here in the States, alternative media have become extremely compartmentalised.
  Listening to this record momentarily makes one feel that all is well in alternative music.
  The band Hell is for Heroes has denounced it as ‘a great blow to alternative music’.
  Look at some of the most experimental alternative music going around at the moment.
  They've been known to hassle people who choose alternative lifestyles and dodge taxes.
  It used to sell books and pamphlets about alternative cultures and lifestyles.
  An article such as this one marks a sad day in the realm of so-called alternative press.
  The music is mainstream alternative pop and rock music, with little or no variation.
  Synonyms
  unorthodox, unconventional, non-standard, unusual, uncommon, unwonted, out of the ordinary, radical, revolutionary, nonconformist, unconforming, irregular, offbeat, off-centre, avant-garde

nounɔlˈtərnədɪvôlˈtərnədiv

One of two or more available possibilities.
（一或多个事物）另外的，可供选择的
audiobooks are an interesting alternative to reading
有声磁带是阅读之外的另一有趣选择。
she had no alternative but to break the law
她除了违反法律之外别无选择。
Example sentencesExamples
- It will also be a great chance to discuss what sort of alternatives to capitalism are possible.
- Our task is to ensure that there are real alternatives from which people may choose.
- Are there no alternatives that might provide better options for gay people?
- She is a constant reminder that an alternative was once possible, which might flower again.
- We cannot say that alternatives have not been tried but it is possible that we have not tried hard enough.
- Teenagers at the meeting said they hung around on street corners as there were no alternatives for them.
- The launch of Oven Chips offered a healthier and more convenient alternative to traditional chips.
- It assumes that citizens are rational and aware of all possible alternatives.
- Each client is informed about what foods to avoid and advised about alternatives they can eat and drink.
- It's making me feel better just knowing that I have alternatives to the current situation.
- The lack of alternatives to an illegal action does not legitimise that action.
- This had been set up by left wing activists as an alternative to the mainstream, segregated colleges.
- There is no excuse for wearing real fur with so many humane alternatives now available.
- It is not as if there is some ready alternative available to citizens carrying out official duties.
- The evening that it started, the local news ran a story on possible alternatives to driving.
- Ministers claim that an adequate alternative is available for men and women who are cohabiting.
- You are better off to have a number of alternatives available to you in case of an emergency.
- If you don't want to go the whole hog by designing and building your own house, there are alternatives.
- Shouldn't we take this opportunity to review the situation and debate alternatives?
- In the light of the discontent on the back-benches, we have to have alternatives.
Synonyms
option, choice, other possibility

Usage

Some traditionalists maintain, from an etymological standpoint, that you can have only two alternatives (from the Latin alter ‘other (of two); the other’) and that uses of more than two alternatives are erroneous. Such uses are, however, normal in modern standard English Alternate can be a verb, noun, or adjective, while alternative can be a noun or adjective. In both American and British English, the adjective alternate means ‘every other’ (there will be a dance on alternate Saturdays) and the adjective alternative means ‘available as another choice’ (an alternative route; alternative medicine; alternative energy sources). In American usage, however, alternate can also be used to mean ‘available as another choice’: an alternate plan called for construction to begin immediately rather than waiting for spring. Likewise, a book club may offer an ‘alternate selection’ as an alternative to the main selection.

Origin

Mid 16th century (in the sense ‘alternating, alternate’): from French alternatif, -ive or medieval Latin alternativus, from Latin alternare ‘interchange’ (see alternate).

词汇	alternative
释义	Definition of alternative in English: alternative adjective ɒlˈtəːnətɪvɔːlˈtəːnətɪvɔlˈtərnədɪv 1attributive (of one or more things) available as another possibility or choice. （一或多个事物）另外的，可供选择的 the various alternative methods for resolving disputes 解决争端的多种其他方式。 Example sentencesExamples Can you talk about how and why it was humanism that triumphed over alternative possibilities? They are being offered alternative seats as similar as possible to the ones they have at Maine Road. It is perfectly possible that an alternative government would overturn a hunting ban. An alternative surface level crossing is also available, so road crossing is unaffected. In recent years several sites have been examined as a possible alternative home for the Abbey. In fact the experience made me wish that I had taken an alternative form of transport. The council wants children to be aware of alternative, greener methods of getting to school. Walsh says the company will just have to be innovative in seeking alternative forms of finance. Which of all the uneliminated alternative possibilities may not properly be ignored? An alternative method is to use a blow torch which will soften the varnish or paint, allowing easy removal with a scraper. Our lease expires next year and we need to find an alternative home as quickly as possible. He even suggests that the argument has merit by moving onto the issue of possible alternative sources of funding. Where such data are not available, there are alternative ways of securing suitable information. Peanut flour is a cheap and quick alternative method for thickening dishes. If it is not available, an alternative venue would have to be found or the hearing adjourned. I mean they ought to be able to reflect on possible alternative views, and some do. Occasionally, though, I do browse around for alternative flavours and new experiences. Bosses have promised to find alternative jobs within the company for as many people as possible. Organisers have also made sure there will be alternative traffic routes available. We will be contacting them again when an alternative service is available. Synonyms different, other, another, second, possible, substitute, replacement deputy, relief, proxy, surrogate, cover, fill-in, stand-in standby, emergency, reserve, backup, auxiliary, fallback North American alternate North American informal pinch-hitting 1.1 (of two things) mutually exclusive. （两者）互不相容的，非此即彼的 the facts fit two alternative scenarios 事实与两种互不相容的预期模式相符。 Example sentencesExamples The alternative scenario is not one that City fans will want to think too much about. The book answers all these questions by analogy, with instances from the alternative America of the novel. The only legal alternative, a fresh set of elections, would solve nothing. So until the alternative route is available I expect to be able to use the existing roadway for access purposes. It is in the public interest that they be both experienced and expert: the alternative is unacceptable. 2Relating to activities that depart from or challenge traditional norms. an alternative lifestyle 一种标新立异的生活方式。 Example sentencesExamples Terror Trax was a haven for what we hoped would be the next phase of alternative music. Both traditional doctors and alternative therapists work to the best of their ability in any given situation. Here in the States, alternative media have become extremely compartmentalised. Listening to this record momentarily makes one feel that all is well in alternative music. They insisted it was the only venue for alternative music in this city of 850,000 people. The music is mainstream alternative pop and rock music, with little or no variation. I was living an alternative lifestyle before anyone had thought of the expression. Look at some of the most experimental alternative music going around at the moment. Coldplay were also winners, taking the alternative music album award for Parachutes. Bizarrely, it completely omits any reference to alternative lifestyles or kinks of any kind. Witchcraft has come out of the shadows and is entering British society as a viable alternative lifestyle. Find the best alternative therapy for your lifestyle and health needs. It used to sell books and pamphlets about alternative cultures and lifestyles. Are you influenced by alternative music, is that something you have a passion for? There are lots of alternative lifestyles in the area, as can be seen by the area's cafés and stores. I think this is what appealed to our adolescent selves, as it appeals to a lot of fans of alternative music. The band Hell is for Heroes has denounced it as ‘a great blow to alternative music’. They've been known to hassle people who choose alternative lifestyles and dodge taxes. She loves alternative music and watching all sorts of sports though she says she is a total loser at most of them. An article such as this one marks a sad day in the realm of so-called alternative press. Synonyms unorthodox, unconventional, non-standard, unusual, uncommon, unwonted, out of the ordinary, radical, revolutionary, nonconformist, unconforming, irregular, offbeat, off-centre, avant-garde original, new, novel, fresh eccentric, exotic, Bohemian, idiosyncratic, abnormal, extreme, divergent, aberrant, anomalous, bizarre, outlandish, perverse informal off the wall, oddball, way-out, cranky, zany rare heteroclite noun ɒlˈtəːnətɪvɔːlˈtəːnətɪvɔlˈtərnədɪv One of two or more available possibilities. （一或多个事物）另外的，可供选择的 audio cassettes are an interesting alternative to reading 有声磁带是阅读之外的另一有趣选择。 she had no alternative but to break the law 她除了违反法律之外别无选择。 Example sentencesExamples She is a constant reminder that an alternative was once possible, which might flower again. We cannot say that alternatives have not been tried but it is possible that we have not tried hard enough. Shouldn't we take this opportunity to review the situation and debate alternatives? Each client is informed about what foods to avoid and advised about alternatives they can eat and drink. It assumes that citizens are rational and aware of all possible alternatives. This had been set up by left wing activists as an alternative to the mainstream, segregated colleges. Our task is to ensure that there are real alternatives from which people may choose. You are better off to have a number of alternatives available to you in case of an emergency. It is not as if there is some ready alternative available to citizens carrying out official duties. The lack of alternatives to an illegal action does not legitimise that action. It will also be a great chance to discuss what sort of alternatives to capitalism are possible. Teenagers at the meeting said they hung around on street corners as there were no alternatives for them. Are there no alternatives that might provide better options for gay people? There is no excuse for wearing real fur with so many humane alternatives now available. In the light of the discontent on the back-benches, we have to have alternatives. It's making me feel better just knowing that I have alternatives to the current situation. The evening that it started, the local news ran a story on possible alternatives to driving. Ministers claim that an adequate alternative is available for men and women who are cohabiting. If you don't want to go the whole hog by designing and building your own house, there are alternatives. The launch of Oven Chips offered a healthier and more convenient alternative to traditional chips. Synonyms option, choice, other possibility substitute, replacement, proxy, reserve, surrogate, stand-in possible course of action, resort, way out Usage Some traditionalists maintain that you can only have a maximum of two alternatives, because the word alternative comes from Latin alter ‘other (of two)’) and that uses where there are more than two alternatives are wrong. Such uses are, however, normal in modern standard English. See also alternate Origin Mid 16th century (in the sense 'alternating, alternate'): from French alternatif, -ive or medieval Latin alternativus, from Latin alternare 'interchange' (see alternate). Definition of alternative in US English: alternative adjectiveɔlˈtərnədɪvôlˈtərnədiv 1attributive (of one or more things) available as another possibility. （一或多个事物）另外的，可供选择的 the various alternative methods for resolving disputes 解决争端的多种其他方式。 the alternative definition of democracy as popular power 民主作为大众权力的另一种定义。 Example sentencesExamples I mean they ought to be able to reflect on possible alternative views, and some do. It is perfectly possible that an alternative government would overturn a hunting ban. Can you talk about how and why it was humanism that triumphed over alternative possibilities? An alternative surface level crossing is also available, so road crossing is unaffected. Our lease expires next year and we need to find an alternative home as quickly as possible. Organisers have also made sure there will be alternative traffic routes available. In fact the experience made me wish that I had taken an alternative form of transport. Bosses have promised to find alternative jobs within the company for as many people as possible. Where such data are not available, there are alternative ways of securing suitable information. We will be contacting them again when an alternative service is available. They are being offered alternative seats as similar as possible to the ones they have at Maine Road. In recent years several sites have been examined as a possible alternative home for the Abbey. If it is not available, an alternative venue would have to be found or the hearing adjourned. Peanut flour is a cheap and quick alternative method for thickening dishes. He even suggests that the argument has merit by moving onto the issue of possible alternative sources of funding. An alternative method is to use a blow torch which will soften the varnish or paint, allowing easy removal with a scraper. Occasionally, though, I do browse around for alternative flavours and new experiences. The council wants children to be aware of alternative, greener methods of getting to school. Walsh says the company will just have to be innovative in seeking alternative forms of finance. Which of all the uneliminated alternative possibilities may not properly be ignored? Synonyms different, other, another, second, possible, substitute, replacement 1.1 (of two things) mutually exclusive. （两者）互不相容的，非此即彼的 the facts fit two alternative scenarios 事实与两种互不相容的预期模式相符。 Example sentencesExamples The only legal alternative, a fresh set of elections, would solve nothing. The book answers all these questions by analogy, with instances from the alternative America of the novel. The alternative scenario is not one that City fans will want to think too much about. So until the alternative route is available I expect to be able to use the existing roadway for access purposes. It is in the public interest that they be both experienced and expert: the alternative is unacceptable. 1.2 Relating to behavior that is considered unconventional and is often seen as a challenge to traditional norms. 行为标新立异的（尤指对传统准则构成挑战的不从习俗行为），另类的 an alternative lifestyle 一种标新立异的生活方式。 they have one foot in alternative music and the other in rock Example sentencesExamples Coldplay were also winners, taking the alternative music album award for Parachutes. There are lots of alternative lifestyles in the area, as can be seen by the area's cafés and stores. Both traditional doctors and alternative therapists work to the best of their ability in any given situation. She loves alternative music and watching all sorts of sports though she says she is a total loser at most of them. Bizarrely, it completely omits any reference to alternative lifestyles or kinks of any kind. Find the best alternative therapy for your lifestyle and health needs. I think this is what appealed to our adolescent selves, as it appeals to a lot of fans of alternative music. Are you influenced by alternative music, is that something you have a passion for? They insisted it was the only venue for alternative music in this city of 850,000 people. I was living an alternative lifestyle before anyone had thought of the expression. Witchcraft has come out of the shadows and is entering British society as a viable alternative lifestyle. Terror Trax was a haven for what we hoped would be the next phase of alternative music. Here in the States, alternative media have become extremely compartmentalised. Listening to this record momentarily makes one feel that all is well in alternative music. The band Hell is for Heroes has denounced it as ‘a great blow to alternative music’. Look at some of the most experimental alternative music going around at the moment. They've been known to hassle people who choose alternative lifestyles and dodge taxes. It used to sell books and pamphlets about alternative cultures and lifestyles. An article such as this one marks a sad day in the realm of so-called alternative press. The music is mainstream alternative pop and rock music, with little or no variation. Synonyms unorthodox, unconventional, non-standard, unusual, uncommon, unwonted, out of the ordinary, radical, revolutionary, nonconformist, unconforming, irregular, offbeat, off-centre, avant-garde nounɔlˈtərnədɪvôlˈtərnədiv One of two or more available possibilities. （一或多个事物）另外的，可供选择的 audiobooks are an interesting alternative to reading 有声磁带是阅读之外的另一有趣选择。 she had no alternative but to break the law 她除了违反法律之外别无选择。 Example sentencesExamples It will also be a great chance to discuss what sort of alternatives to capitalism are possible. Our task is to ensure that there are real alternatives from which people may choose. Are there no alternatives that might provide better options for gay people? She is a constant reminder that an alternative was once possible, which might flower again. We cannot say that alternatives have not been tried but it is possible that we have not tried hard enough. Teenagers at the meeting said they hung around on street corners as there were no alternatives for them. The launch of Oven Chips offered a healthier and more convenient alternative to traditional chips. It assumes that citizens are rational and aware of all possible alternatives. Each client is informed about what foods to avoid and advised about alternatives they can eat and drink. It's making me feel better just knowing that I have alternatives to the current situation. The lack of alternatives to an illegal action does not legitimise that action. This had been set up by left wing activists as an alternative to the mainstream, segregated colleges. There is no excuse for wearing real fur with so many humane alternatives now available. It is not as if there is some ready alternative available to citizens carrying out official duties. The evening that it started, the local news ran a story on possible alternatives to driving. Ministers claim that an adequate alternative is available for men and women who are cohabiting. You are better off to have a number of alternatives available to you in case of an emergency. If you don't want to go the whole hog by designing and building your own house, there are alternatives. Shouldn't we take this opportunity to review the situation and debate alternatives? In the light of the discontent on the back-benches, we have to have alternatives. Synonyms option, choice, other possibility Usage Some traditionalists maintain, from an etymological standpoint, that you can have only two alternatives (from the Latin alter ‘other (of two); the other’) and that uses of more than two alternatives are erroneous. Such uses are, however, normal in modern standard English Alternate can be a verb, noun, or adjective, while alternative can be a noun or adjective. In both American and British English, the adjective alternate means ‘every other’ (there will be a dance on alternate Saturdays) and the adjective alternative means ‘available as another choice’ (an alternative route; alternative medicine; alternative energy sources). In American usage, however, alternate can also be used to mean ‘available as another choice’: an alternate plan called for construction to begin immediately rather than waiting for spring. Likewise, a book club may offer an ‘alternate selection’ as an alternative to the main selection. Origin Mid 16th century (in the sense ‘alternating, alternate’): from French alternatif, -ive or medieval Latin alternativus, from Latin alternare ‘interchange’ (see alternate).
随便看	watchfulnesses watchful of watch glass watch-glass watch-house watching watching brief watchings watch it watch it watch it/yourself watch it/yourself watchkeeper watchkeepers watch-light watch like a hawk watch list watchmaker watchmaking watchmaking watchman watchmen watchment watch mouth watchnight