What does alternate mean?
Alternate is a versatile English word functioning as a verb, adjective, and noun. As a verb, it means to take turns or occur in succession, one after the other — night alternates with day, or two colleagues may alternate giving presentations. As an adjective, it describes something that happens or appears every other time, such as alternate Saturdays. As a noun, especially in North American usage, an alternate is a substitute or backup person who steps in if someone else cannot serve. The word carries connotations of rhythm, reciprocity, and regularity rather than randomness. A notable quirk is its pronunciation split: the verb ends in /-eɪt/, while the adjective and noun end in /-ət/. It also overlaps confusingly with 'alternative', particularly in American English, where 'alternate' can mean simply another option. Derived forms include alternately, alternation, and alternating.
To occur in turn repeatedly, or to cause two people or things to do so successively.
"The dancers alternated lifts and spins across the stage."
Pronounced /ˈɔːltərneɪt/, with stress on the first syllable and a long 'ay' sound at the end.
Happening or placed every other one in a series; occurring by turns.
"Water the plants on alternate days to avoid overwatering."
Pronounced /ˈɔːltərnət/, with the final syllable reduced to a schwa.
A person who substitutes for another if the original is unable to participate.
"He served as an alternate on the jury but was never called to deliberate."
Most common in North American English; pronounced /ˈɔːltərnət/ like the adjective.
Used only for the noun sense referring to substitute persons or things.
"The competition selected five finalists and three alternates."
In British English, 'alternate' means every other one — but Americans often use it where Brits would say 'alternative', a transatlantic split that has puzzled writers for generations.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of alternate
Alternate derives from Latin 'alternare', meaning to do by turns, itself formed from 'alternus' (every other), built on 'alter' meaning 'other of two'. The word entered English via Latin in the early modern period, with the verb attested from around the mid-16th century. It shares its root with 'alternative', 'alter', and related words such as 'altruism' and 'adultery' — all ultimately tracing back to the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'other'.
Related word forms
How alternate is actually used
The verb and adjective are pronounced differently: the verb ends in /-eɪt/, while the adjective and noun end in /-ət/. In American usage, 'alternate' is often used adjectivally to mean 'another option' (an alternate route), whereas British English reserves 'alternative' for that sense. The noun 'alternate' (a substitute) is common in North America but less so elsewhere.
Easily confused with alternate
An alternative is one of two or more available options, while 'alternate' refers to taking turns or occurring every other time (or, chiefly in US usage, serving as a substitute).