attrib.
1- (of one or more things) available as another possibility(一或多个事物)另外的, 可供选择的:
the various alternative methods for resolving disputes
解决争端的多种其他方式
the alternative definition of democracy as popular power.
民主作为大众权力的另一种定义。
1.1
- (of two things) mutually exclusive(两者)互不相容的, 非此即彼的:
the facts fit two alternative scenarios.
事实与两种互不相容的预期模式相符。
1.2
- of or relating to behaviour that is considered unconventional and is typically seen as a challenge to traditional norms行为标新立异的(尤指对传统准则构成挑战的不从习俗行为), 另类的:
an alternative lifestyle.
一种标新立异的生活方式。
- one of two or more available possibilities(二者或多者中)另种选择, 另种可能:
audio cassettes are an interesting alternative to reading
有声磁带是阅读之外的另一有趣选择
she had no alternative but to break the law.
她除了违反法律之外别无选择。
USAGE
词源
mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'alternating, alternate'): from French alternatif, -ive or medieval Latin alternativus, from Latin alternare 'interchange' (see ALTERNATE).