Definition Definition

Alternative - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'Alternative' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Alternative [ a.]
- Offering a choice of two things.
- Disjunctive; as, an alternative conjunction.
- Alternate; reciprocal.
2 . Alternative [ n.]
- An offer of two things, one of which may be chosen, but not both; a choice between two things, so that if one is taken, the other must be left.
- Either of two things or propositions offered to one's choice. Thus when two things offer a choice of one only, the two things are called alternatives.
- The course of action or the thing offered in place of another.
- A choice between more than two things; one of several things offered to choose among.

Meaning of 'Alternative' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . alternative [ n]
Meaning (1):
- one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen
Example in sentence:
  • my only choice is to refuse;
  • there is no other alternative;
  • what option did I have?
2 . alternative [ s]
Meaning (2):
- necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities
Example in sentence:
  • alternative possibilities were neutrality or war
Meaning (3):
- pertaining to unconventional choices
Example in sentence:
  • an alternative life style
Meaning (4):
- serving or used in place of another
Example in sentence:
  • an alternative plan