Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Pertaining to unconventional choices: Describes something that is different from the usual or traditional way of doing things.
   • Necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities: Describes a situation where only one option can be chosen from two or more distinct possibilities.
   • Serving or used in place of another: Describes something that can be used as a substitute or replacement.

2. Noun:

   • One of a number of things from which only one can be chosen: Refers to one of two or more available possibilities or courses of action.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • She leads an alternative lifestyle, living off the grid. (Here, 'alternative' describes a lifestyle that is unconventional.)
  • We are faced with alternative possibilities: agree or walk away. (Here, 'alternative' describes mutually exclusive choices.)
  • Do you have an alternative route to suggest? (Here, 'alternative' describes a possible substitute.)

• Noun:

  • If the train is late, our only alternative is to take a taxi. (Here, 'alternative' is the other available option.)
  • We have two alternatives: start now or wait until tomorrow. (Here, 'alternative' refers to one of the possible choices.)

Advanced Usage

• "Alternative energy": Energy derived from sources that do not use up natural resources or harm the environment, such as solar or wind power.

  • The country is investing heavily in alternative energy.

• "Alternative medicine": Medical treatments that are not part of conventional Western medicine, such as acupuncture or herbalism.

  • Some patients seek relief through alternative medicine.

Variants and Related Words

• Alternate (verb/adjective): To occur or cause to occur by turns; every other. (Note: 'Alternate' is often confused with 'alternative'. 'Alternate' typically implies taking turns, while 'alternative' implies a choice between options.)

  • The meetings are held on alternate Tuesdays. (Adjective)
  • We alternate between hope and despair. (Verb)

• Alternatively (adverb): Used to introduce a different or second possibility.

  • We can go by train. Alternatively, we could drive.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Unconventional, different, substitute, other, backup.
• Noun: Option, choice, selection, recourse, substitute.

Related Phrases

• "Have no alternative but to...": To be forced to do a particular thing because there is no other possibility.

  • I had no alternative but to report the incident.

• "Consider the alternatives": To think about the other available options.

  • Before you decide, you should carefully consider the alternatives.

Idioms

• "There is no alternative (TINA)": A phrase suggesting that a particular course of action is the only feasible one.
  • The manager argued that layoffs were unfortunate, but there was no alternative.

Adjective

1. pertaining to unconventional choices
   • an alternative life style
2. necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities
   • alternative possibilities were neutrality or war
3. serving or used in place of another
   • an alternative plan

Noun

1. one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen
   • what option did I have?
   • there no other alternative
   • my only choice is to refuse