alternative

/ɔ:l'tə:nətiv/

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The word "alternative" can be used as both an adjective and a noun. Let's break it down in a simple way.

Definition:

1. As an Adjective: "Alternative" describes something that is different from the usual or traditional way of doing things. It often refers to unconventional choices or options.

   • Example: "She follows an alternative lifestyle, choosing to live in a tiny house instead of a big one."

2. As a Noun: An "alternative" is one of several options or choices you can pick from.

   • Example: "If you don't like chocolate ice cream, what's your alternative?"

Usage Instructions:

• Use "alternative" when you want to talk about different options or when something is not the standard choice.
• As an adjective, it usually describes a noun (e.g., alternative medicine, alternative energy).
• As a noun, it can stand alone (e.g., "I need to find an alternative").

Examples:

• Adjective: "Many people are looking for alternative energy sources, like solar power."
• Noun: "We have two alternatives: we can go to the beach or stay home."

Advanced Usage:

• In discussions about lifestyle, politics, or strategies, "alternative" can refer to choices that are not mainstream or conventional.
• In a business context, you might hear about "alternative investments," which are different from traditional stocks and bonds.

Word Variants:

• Alternately (adverb): Means doing something in turns or by choosing between two options.
  • Example: "You can alternately choose between tea or coffee."
• Alternation (noun): The act of alternating or switching between two or more things.
  • Example: "The alternation between work and rest is important for health."

Different Meanings:

• In some contexts, "alternative" can mean a choice that is required when the first option is not available.
  • Example: "There are no alternatives to this solution if we want to succeed."

Synonyms:

• Option
• Choice
• Substitute
• Alternative option
• Backup plan

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Have no alternative": This means you have no other choices left.
  • Example: "I had no alternative but to accept the job offer."
• "Alternative route": Refers to a different way to get to a destination.
  • Example: "Due to the road closure, we took an alternative route to the city."

Summary:

"Alternative" is a versatile word that helps describe different options or unconventional choices.

Academic

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

Synonyms

• alternate
• substitute
• option
• choice