Origin: Latin suffix -ive
Alternative has 6 different meanings across 2 categories:
one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen
"what option did I have?"
"there is no other alternative"
"my only choice is to refuse"
A situation which allows a mutually exclusive choice between two or more possibilities; a choice between two or more possibilities.
"After deciding to take the train instead of driving, I realized that taking the bus was my only alternative for getting home tonight."
In plain English: An alternative is another option you can choose when your first idea doesn't work.
"We need to find an alternative for our usual lunch spot since it is closed today."
Usage: Use "alternative" as a noun to refer to a specific option available when you must choose between two or more distinct possibilities. It correctly describes the choice itself rather than the act of choosing or the state of being different.
necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities
"alternative possibilities were neutrality or war"
Relating to a choice between two or more possibilities.
"When choosing between tea and coffee, I have no alternative but to pick whichever cup is closest to me."
In plain English: Something that is different from what is usual or expected.
"We need to find an alternative route because the main road is closed."
Usage: Use "alternative" as an adjective before a noun to describe something that offers a different option from what is currently being considered or used. For example, say "an alternative solution" rather than using it to modify a verb or standing alone without a following noun.
The word alternative comes from the Medieval Latin term alternativus, which originally meant "alternating." It entered English through Middle French and retains its core sense of switching between options or occurring in turns.