Definition

1. Noun:
   • The process or act of alternating; successive change from one thing or state to another and back again: "alternation" refers to a repeated sequence where two or more things take turns or replace each other in a regular pattern.
   • A pattern of repeated change or substitution: It can describe any regular, back-and-forth sequence or cycle.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The alternation of day and night is a fundamental rhythm of life on Earth.
  • The poem uses a strict alternation of stressed and unstressed syllables.
  • There is a regular alternation of power between the two major political parties.

Advanced Usage

• In linguistics: Refers to the variation in the form of a word or morpheme depending on its phonological environment.
  • The alternation between /s/ and /z/ in the plural forms "cats" and "dogs" is phonologically conditioned.
• In mathematics/logic: A logical operation or a pattern of switching between states.
  • The truth table demonstrates the alternation of true and false values.

Variants and Related Words

• Alternate (verb): To occur or act in turn repeatedly.
  • The two teams will alternate using the field.
• Alternate (adjective): Every other; happening or following in turns.
  • The club meets on alternate Wednesdays.
• Alternative (noun): One of two or more available possibilities.
  • We need to consider a different alternative.

Synonyms

• Rotation: The action of taking turns in a sequence.
• Interchange: A mutual exchange or sequential substitution.
• Oscillation: A regular variation between extremes.

Related Phrases

• In alternation with: Taking turns with something else.
  • The pump operates in alternation with the backup system to conserve energy.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. successive change from one thing or state to another and back again
   • a trill is a rapid alternation between the two notes