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al·ter·nate
 alternate
- parts of speech:
- intransitive verb, transitive verb, adjective, noun
| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| pronunciation: |
awl
t r
neIt
|
| inflections: |
alternated, alternates, alternating |
| definition 1: |
to continuously rotate or take turns with one another (usu. fol. by with).
The workers alternate with each other to break up the monotony of the work.- synonyms:
- cycle, rotate
- similar words:
- exchange, interchange, reciprocate, revolve, take turns, transfer, turn
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| definition 2: |
to move back and forth indefinitely between two or more conditions, places, or actions (usu. fol. by between).
He alternates between happiness and grief.
- synonyms:
- cycle, interchange, reciprocate, rotate
- similar words:
- exchange, platoon, switch
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| related words: |
double, range, vary |
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| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| pronunciation: |
awl
tr
neIt
|
| definition 1: |
to do in succession or rotation.
For exercise, I alternate running and riding my bike.- synonyms:
- interchange, rotate
- similar words:
- exchange, shift, transpose, turn
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| definition 2: |
to cause a constant interchange between.
She alternated chocolate and vanilla layers on the cake.- synonyms:
- interchange, rotate
- similar words:
- exchange, shift, stagger, switch, transfer, transpose, turn
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| related words: |
rotate |
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| part of speech: |
adjective |
| pronunciation: |
awl
tr
nt
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| definition 1: |
continuously rotating or taking turns with one another; occurring or following in turns.
My college graduation filled me with alternate feelings of happiness and sadness.- synonyms:
- cyclical, rotative
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| definition 2: |
the second of every two in a series of pairs; every other.
The class meets on alternate Wednesdays.- antonyms:
- consecutive
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| definition 3: |
exchanged from both sides; mutual; reciprocal.
There were alternate expressions of affection.- synonyms:
- exchangeable, mutual, reciprocal
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| definition 4: |
substitute; alternative.
He took an alternate route to work because the main highway was closed for repairs.- synonyms:
- alternative, substitute
- antonyms:
- original
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| related words: |
other, substitute |
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| part of speech: |
noun |
| pronunciation: |
awl
tr
nt
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| definition: |
one authorized to act in place of another; substitute.
If the contest winner cannot fulfill his or her duties, the alternate will be called in.
- synonyms:
- proxy, substitute
- antonyms:
- primary
- similar words:
- backup, deputy
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| related words: |
change, delegate, understudy |
| derivations: |
alternately (adv.), alternatingly (adv.) |
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