Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Occurring by turns; following one after the other in a repeated pattern: Describes things that happen or appear one after the other in a regular sequence.
   • Every other; every second one in a series: Describes something that is one of every two items in a sequence.
   • Of leaves or branches: In botany, describes leaves or branches arranged singly at different heights on opposite sides of a stem, not directly opposite each other.
   • Serving as a substitute: Available as another option or possibility.

2. Noun:

   • A substitute: A person who is designated to take the place of another if needed.

3. Verb:

   • To occur or cause to occur by turns: To follow one after the other repeatedly.
   • To take turns: To do something in succession with another person or thing.
   • To act as a substitute: To temporarily take the place of another person in a role or job.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The team held meetings on alternate Tuesdays. (Every other Tuesday)
  • The pattern uses alternate stripes of blue and white. (Stripes that follow one after the other)
  • The tree is identified by its alternate leaf arrangement.

• Noun:

  • She was chosen as the alternate for the delegate in case he fell ill.

• Verb:

  • The documentary will alternate between interviews and historical footage.
  • The two singers alternate on the lead vocal for this song.
  • He will alternate as the starting quarterback this season.

Advanced Usage

• "to alternate with": To take turns with something else.

  • Periods of rain will alternate with sunshine throughout the day.

• "alternate between": To repeatedly change from one state or action to another.

  • His mood seemed to alternate between joy and despair.

Variants and Related Words

• Alternation (n): The act or process of alternating; a regular succession.

  • The alternation of the seasons is a natural cycle.

• Alternating (adj): Occurring in turn; successive.

  • An alternating current (AC) changes direction periodically.

• Alternative (adj/n): (Different from 'alternate') Available as another possibility or choice.

  • We need to consider an alternative plan.

Synonyms

• Rotate: To take turns in a sequence.
• Intermittent: Occurring at irregular intervals.
• Substitute: A person or thing acting in place of another.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Alternate in: To take turns performing a specific duty or role.
  • The two managers alternate in chairing the weekly meeting.

Related Idioms

• On alternate days: Happening every other day.

  • The trash is collected on alternate days.

• Every other: Synonymous with 'alternate' when describing every second item.

  • Please write on every other line.

Adjective

1. of leaves and branches etc; first on one side and then on the other in two ranks along an axis; not paired
   • stems with alternate leaves
2. occurring by turns; first one and then the other
   • alternating feelings of love and hate
3. serving or used in place of another
   • an alternative plan
4. every second one of a series
   • the cleaning lady comes on alternate Wednesdays
   • jam every other day- the White Queen

Noun

1. someone who takes the place of another person

Verb

1. do something in turns
   • We take turns on the night shift
2. reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action)
3. be an understudy or alternate for a role
4. exchange people temporarily to fulfill certain jobs and functions
5. go back and forth; swing back and forth between two states or conditions