1al·ter·na·tive 
/ɑlˈtɚnətɪv/ adjective
/ɑlˈtɚnətɪv/ adjective 1 always used before a noun : offering or expressing a choice
▪ We have alternative [=other] plans in case the weather is bad. ▪ an alternative explanation ▪ We took an alternative route [=a different route] to avoid the traffic. ▪ Scientists are developing an alternative approach to treating the disease. 2 : not usual or traditional
▪ alternative rock music ▪ He developed an alternative design for the new engine. ▪ alternative medicine [=methods of healing or treating disease that are different from the usual methods taught in Western medical schools] — often used to describe something that is more natural or that causes less pollution than the usual product, method, etc. ▪ alternative energy/fuel 3 : existing or functioning outside of the established society
▪ an alternative newspaper ▪ alternative lifestyles
▪ We have alternative [=other] plans in case the weather is bad. ▪ an alternative explanation ▪ We took an alternative route [=a different route] to avoid the traffic. ▪ Scientists are developing an alternative approach to treating the disease.
▪ alternative rock music ▪ He developed an alternative design for the new engine. ▪ alternative medicine [=methods of healing or treating disease that are different from the usual methods taught in Western medical schools] — often used to describe something that is more natural or that causes less pollution than the usual product, method, etc. ▪ alternative energy/fuel
▪ an alternative newspaper ▪ alternative lifestyles
— al·ter·na·tive·ly adverb
▪ We could meet at the library or, alternatively, we could all meet at my house.
▪ We could meet at the library or, alternatively, we could all meet at my house.
