Alternate Definition
alternate
adjective
- every second one of a series; "the cleaning lady comes on alternate Wednesdays"; "jam every other day"- the White Queen
- serving or used in place of another; "an alternative plan"
- occurring by turns; first one and then the other; "alternating feelings of love and hate"
- of leaves and branches etc; first on one side and then on the other in two ranks along an axis; not paired; "stems with alternate leaves"
noun
- someone who takes the place of another person
verb
- go back and forth; swing back and forth between two states or conditions
- exchange people temporarily to fulfill certain jobs and functions
- be an understudy or alternate for a role
- reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action)
- do something in turns; "We take turns on the night shift"
"Alternate" in song lyrics
See how alternate is used in real songs:
-
"And pushed off a cliff, there's no alternate"
Hopsin — Blood Energy Potion -
"So therefore I'll make your head alternate"
Jibbs — Big Big Kid -
"Alternate:"
— Hickory Dickory Dock
Words that rhyme with alternate
Usage tips for "alternate"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "alternate" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for alternate to find words that pair well.