(~s)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
Note: The form 'alternate' is sometimes used, especially in American English, instead of '~' in meanings 3, 4, and 5.
1.
If one thing is an ~ to another, the first can be found, used, or done instead of the second.
New ways to treat arthritis may provide an ~ to painkillers.
N-COUNT: oft N to n
2.
An ~ plan or offer is different from the one that you already have, and can be done or used instead.
There were ~ methods of travel available...
= other, alternate
ADJ: ADJ n
3.
Alternative is used to describe something that is different from the usual things of its kind, or the usual ways of doing something, in modern Western society. For example, an ~ lifestyle does not follow conventional ways of living and working.
...unconventional parents who embraced the ~ lifestyle of the Sixties...
? conventional
ADJ: ADJ n
4.
Alternative medicine uses traditional ways of curing people, such as medicines made from plants, massage, and acupuncture.
...~ health care.
ADJ: ADJ n
5.
Alternative energy uses natural sources of energy such as the sun, wind, or water for power and fuel, rather than oil, coal, or nuclear power.
ADJ: ADJ n