Reading Theme:
Alternate Verb: Meanings, Examples & Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：take turns (alternate)
alternate
/ˈɔːltərneɪt/
v.
When two or more things happen one after another in a repeated pattern.
take turns
➕
/teɪk tɜːrnz/
v.
To occur or cause to occur in a regular, repeated sequence; to switch between two or more things one after the other.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'alternare' (to do by turns), from 'alter' (other).
💡 Mnemonic
Alternate = alter + nate. Picture two friends altering their seats on a seesaw.
📖 Example
My sister and I alternate feeding our new puppy in the evening.
Every evening, my sister and I take turns feeding our new puppy.
🔗 Collocations
alternate between – to switch repeatedly between two states or activities
alternate with – to occur in turn with something else
alternate days – every other day
🔄 Synonyms
rotate (v.) – to take turns in a sequence
take turns (v. phrase) – to alternate in doing something
swap (v.) – to exchange one for another in turn
🚫 Antonyms
remain constant (v. phrase) – to stay the same without variation
persist (v.) – to continue without change
🌱 Derivatives
alternation (n.) – the act or process of alternating
alternative (adj./n.) – offering a choice between two or more things
alternately (adv.) – in a way that alternates
📖 Cultural Story
From Latin 'alternus' (one after the other), used for soldiers taking turns. Now common in schedules and technology for rotation/substitution.
Meaning 2：serve as a substitute (alternate)
alternate
/ˈɔːltərneɪt/
v.
Something that can be used instead of the main thing, as a backup.
serve as a substitute
➕
/sɜːrv æz ə ˈsʌbstɪtjuːt/
v.
To function or be used as a backup or replacement for something else, especially the main item.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Don't worry if you lose your main house key; I have an alternate key hidden in the garden.
Do not worry if you lose your main house key; I have a spare key hidden in the garden.
🔗 Collocations
alternate source – a backup source of something, such as energy or water
alternate plan – a substitute plan in case the original fails
alternate route – a different path used when the main route is blocked
🔄 Synonyms
substitute (v.) – to act as a replacement
replace (v.) – to take the place of something
backup (n.) – a person or thing that serves as a reserve
🌱 Derivatives
alternation (n.) – the act or process of alternating
alternative (adj./n.) – offering a choice between two or more things
alternately (adv.) – in a way that alternates
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