alternate
Definitions
To occur or do something by turns, switching repeatedly between two things
（使）交替，轮流
Every other; happening or appearing by turns
交替的；间隔的（如每隔一天）
A person who acts as a substitute for another
（美）替补，候补者
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom alter ('the other of two') + -ate. To alternate is to keep handing the turn to 'the other one' — first this, then that, then this again. Hence 'alternate days' means every other day.
Root ali still carries 27 more wordsUsage Guide
Two pronunciation/meaning pairs to keep apart: the verb 'to ALternate' (/ˈɔːltərneɪt/, switch by turns) vs the adjective 'ALternate' (/ɔːlˈtɜːrnət/, every other). Also note AmE uses 'alternate' where BrE often prefers 'alternative' for 'the other option' (an alternate route in AmE = an alternative route in BrE).
Example Sentences
- 1.
The two presenters alternate between English and French.
- 2.
She works on alternate weekends.
- 3.
If the main driver is sick, the alternate takes over.