alternate

//ˈɔːl.tər.nət/ (adj/noun), /ˈɔːl.tər.neɪt/ (verb)/
B2Frequency Level 10Neutral
Visual representation of alternate

Verb

alternateInfinitive
alternatePresent tense
alternatedPast tense
alternatedPast participle
alternatingPresent participle
alternatesThird-person singular
1

To occur or cause to occur in turns repeatedly; to switch back and forth between two things.

The weather alternates between sunny and rainy days.

2

To interchange repeatedly and regularly with one another in time or place.

The two nurses alternate between day and night shifts.

Adjective

alternateCanonical form
1

Occurring or succeeding by turns; every other one in a series.

The fence was painted in alternate colors of white and blue.

2

Serving as a substitute or replacement; available as another option.

We need to find an alternate route because the main road is closed.

Noun

alternateSingular
alternatesPlural
1

A person who acts as a substitute for another; a replacement.

She was chosen as an alternate for the team in case someone got injured.

alternate - Deep Vocabulary