Learner’s Word of the Day =>Alternative

An English Language
Learner’s Word of the Day

alternative   

 

Function: adjective

Meanings:
1 always used before a noun : offering or expressing a choice
Examples:
<We should have alternative [=other] plans in case the weather is bad.>
<an alternative explanation>
<We took an alternative route [=a different route] because of the construction traffic.>
<Scientists are developing an alternativeapproach to dealing with the disease.>

2 : not usual or traditional
Examples:
<alternative rock music>
<He developed an alternative design for the new engine.>
<alternative medicine [=methods of healing or treating disease that are different from the usual methods taught in Western medical schools]>

Note: This sense of alternative is often used to describe something that is more natural or that causes less pollution than the usual product, method, etc.
Example:
<alternative energy/fuel>

3 : existing or functioning outside of the established society
Examples:
<an alternative newspaper>
<alternative lifestyles>

Derived form:
alternatively adverb
Example:
<We could meet at the library or,alternatively, we could all meet at my house.>

Learn about alternative as a noun.