The verb is pronounced /ɔ:ltə(r)neɪt/. The adjective and noun are pronounced /ɔ:ltɜ:(r)nət/.
( alternated)
1.
When you alternate two things, you keep using one then the other. When one thing alternates with another, the first regularly occurs after the other.
Her aggressive moods alternated with gentle or more co-operative states...
The three acts will alternate as headliners throughout the tour...
Now you just alternate layers of that mixture and eggplant...
The band alternated romantic love songs with bouncy dance numbers.
V-RECIP : V between/with n , pl-n V , V pl-n , V n with n
• al‧ter‧na‧tion
(alternations)
The alternation of sun and snow continued for the rest of our holiday.
N-VAR
2.
Alternate actions, events, or processes regularly occur after each other.
They were streaked with alternate bands of colour.
ADJ : ADJ n
• al‧ter‧nate‧ly
He could alternately bully and charm people...
ADV : ADV with v , ADV adj
3.
If something happens on alternate days, it happens on one day, then happens on every second day after that. In the same way, something can happen in alternate weeks, years, or other periods of time.
Lesley had agreed to Jim going skiing in alternate years.
ADJ : ADJ n
4.
You use alternate to describe a plan, idea, or system which is different from the one already in operation and can be used instead of it.
His group was forced to turn back and take an alternate route.
= alternative
ADJ : ADJ n
5.
An alternate is a person or thing that replaces another, and can act or be used instead of them. ( AM )
In most jurisdictions, twelve jurors and two alternates are chosen...
= substitute
N-COUNT
6.
Alternate is sometimes used, especially in American English, instead of alternative in meanings 3, 4, and 5.
...an alternate lifestyle.
ADJ : ADJ n