American English

How to pronounce alternatively

adverbB2Common word
awlTERnuhdihvlee

/ɔlˈtʰɚ.nə.ɾɪv.li/

5 syllables · Stress the second syllable.

Used to introduce another possible choice or way of doing something.

What to listen for

Common pronunciation/ɔɫˈtʰɚ.nə.ɾɪv.li/
Also heard/ɑɫˈtʰɚ.nə.ɾɪv.li/
Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

adverb

Used to introduce another possible choice or way of doing something.

Alternatively, you can take the bus.

Pay online; alternatively, mail a check.

Good to know

Use alternatively for another choice. Use alternately when two things take turns.

Common phrases & grammar

or alternatively · alternatively, consider ...

Alternatively, + subject + can + verb + ...

Related words & forms