Dictionary
1alternative
adjective al·ter·na·tive \ȯl-ˈtər-nə-tiv, al-\
: offering or expressing a choice
: not usual or traditional
: existing or functioning outside of the established society
Full Definition of ALTERNATIVE
1
: alternate 1
2
: offering or expressing a choice <several alternative plans>
3
: different from the usual or conventional: as a : existing or functioning outside the established cultural, social, or economic system <an alternative newspaper> <alternative lifestyles> b : of, relating to, or being rock music that is regarded as an alternative to conventional rock and is typically influenced by punk rock, hard rock, hip-hop, or folk music c : of or relating to alternative medicine <alternative therapies>
— al·ter·na·tive·ly adverb
— al·ter·na·tive·ness noun
See alternative defined for English-language learners
See alternative defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of ALTERNATIVE
1540
2alternative
noun
: something that can be chosen instead of something else : a choice or option
Full Definition of ALTERNATIVE
1
a : a proposition or situation offering a choice between two or more things only one of which may be chosen b : an opportunity for deciding between two or more courses or propositions
2
a : one of two or more things, courses, or propositions to be chosen b : something which can be chosen instead <the only alternative to intervention>
3
: alternative rock music
See alternative defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ALTERNATIVE
1576
Related to ALTERNATIVE
Synonym Discussion of ALTERNATIVE
choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen. choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely <freedom of choice>. option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed <the option of paying now or later>. alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility <equally attractive alternatives>. preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections <a preference for cool weather>. selection implies a range of choice <a varied selection of furniture>. election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment <doing a tax return forces certain elections on you>.
choice, exquisite, elegant, rare, delicate, dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste. choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind <choice fabric>. exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste <an exquisite gold bracelet>. elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste <a sumptuous but elegant dining room>. rare suggests an uncommon excellence <rare beauty>. delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility <delicate craftsmanship>. dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate <dainty sandwiches>.
choice, exquisite, elegant, rare, delicate, dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste. choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind <choice fabric>. exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste <an exquisite gold bracelet>. elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste <a sumptuous but elegant dining room>. rare suggests an uncommon excellence <rare beauty>. delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility <delicate craftsmanship>. dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate <dainty sandwiches>.
ALTERNATIVELY Defined for Kids
1alternative
adjective al·ter·na·tive \ȯl-ˈtər-nə-tiv\
Definition of ALTERNATIVE for Kids
: offering or expressing a choice <alternative plans>
— al·ter·na·tive·ly adverb <I'll drive or, alternatively, we could walk.>
2alternative
noun
Definition of ALTERNATIVE for Kids
1
: a chance to choose between two things <We had to move. There was no alternative.>
2
: one of the things between which a choice is to be made <As it got dark, our best alternative was to find shelter.>
Medical Dictionary
alternative
adjective al·ter·na·tive \ȯl-ˈtər-nət-iv, al-\
Medical Definition of ALTERNATIVE
: of, relating to, or based on alternative medicine <alternative therapies>
Learn More About ALTERNATIVE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: alternative costPrevious Word in the Dictionary: alternation of generationsAll Words Near: alternative
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up alternative? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).