alternative meaning
alternative :
different, another choice
adjective
▪ We need an alternative plan.
▪ We need a different plan.
▪ She found an alternative route.
▪ She found another way.
paraphrasing
▪ other – different one
▪ substitute – replacement
▪ different – not the same
▪ optional – not required
alternative :
option, choice
noun
▪ We have two alternatives.
▪ We have two choices.
▪ Is there an alternative to this method?
▪ Is there another option for this method?
paraphrasing
▪ option – choice
▪ choice – selection
▪ substitute – replacement
▪ backup – reserve
Pronunciation
alternative [ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv]
The stress is on 'ter' and sounds like 'awl-ter-na-tiv'.
Common phrases and grammar about alternative
alternative - Common meaning
adjective
different, another choice
noun
option, choice
Part of Speech Changes for "alternative"
▪ alternate (verb) – to take turns
▪ alternately (adverb) – in turns
▪ alternation (noun) – the act of taking turns
▪ alternator (noun) – a device that generates electricity
Common Expressions with "alternative"
▪ alternative solution – another way to solve
▪ alternative energy – different power source
▪ alternative route – another path
▪ alternative medicine – non-traditional treatment
Important examples of alternative in TOEIC
Vocabulary examples from the TOEIC test
In TOEIC vocabulary questions, alternative is often used to mean another option or choice.
Example of a confusing word: alternate (to switch back and forth)
Grammar examples from the TOEIC test
In TOEIC grammar questions, alternative is used to describe nouns, often showing a different option.
alternative
Idioms and fixed expressions in TOEIC
alternative energy
'different power source', used when talking about renewable energy.
explore all alternatives
means 'to look at all options', used when considering different choices.
Differences between similar words and alternative
alternative
,
option
differences
Alternative refers to a different choice, while option is any choice available.
alternative
,
substitute
differences
Alternative is a different choice, while substitute is a replacement for something.
Words with the same origin as alternative
The origin of alternative
The word 'alternative' comes from the Latin 'alternare', meaning 'to do by turns'.
Word structure
It has the prefix alter (other), root nat (born), suffix ive (adjective), and means 'other choice'.
Words with the same origin
The root of alternative is alter (other). Words with the same root include alter (to change), alternate (to take turns).
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alternative
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different, another choice
adjective ┃
noun ┃
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