English

Etymology

< Mediaeval Latin alternativus < Latin alternare, pp. alternatus; see alternate.

Pronunciation

• enPR: ăl-tûr'nə-tĭv, IPA: /ɒltɜːnətiv/, SAMPA: /Al"t@`n@tIv/

Noun

alternative (plural alternatives)

1. A situation which allows a choice between two or more possibilities.
2. A choice between two or more possibilities.
3. One of several things which can be chosen.

Translations

Adjective

alternative

1. Having more than one choice.
2. Other.

Derived terms

• alternative dispute resolution
• alternative lifestyle
• alternative medicine
• alternative vote

Related terms

• alternate
• alternativeness
• alternativism

Translations

See also

• variant

References

• “alternative” in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• "alternative" at The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911.

Italian

Noun

alternative f.

1. Plural form of alternativa.

Adjective

alternative f.

1. Feminine plural of alternativo