American English
/ɔlˈtʰɚ.nə.ɾɪv/
4 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
a choice or plan that can be used instead of another one
“Alternative” is commonly pronounced /ɔɫˈtʰɚ.nə.ɾɪv/. You may also hear /ɑɫˈtʰɚ.nə.ɾɪv/; both are correct.
a choice or plan that can be used instead of another one
We need an alternative to driving.
This route is a good alternative.
As a noun, use alternative to, not alternative of: an alternative to this plan.
an alternative to · a good alternative · the only alternative · find an alternative
an alternative to + noun
have/need/find + an alternative
different from the usual choice or plan, and used instead of it
We made an alternative plan.
Try an alternative route home.
alternative plan · alternative route · alternative energy · alternative solution
an alternative + noun
an alternative to + noun
not traditional; using ideas, methods, or styles that are different from the usual ones
She prefers alternative medicine.
The festival features alternative music.
alternative medicine · alternative music · alternative lifestyle
alternative + noun
a different choice that can replace something
Solar power is an alternative to gas.
to have only one possible choice
We had no alternative but to wait.