- alternative
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—alternatively, adv. —alternativeness, alternativity, n./awl terr"neuh tiv, al-/, n.1. a choice limited to one of two or more possibilities, as of things, propositions, or courses of action, the selection of which precludes any other possibility: You have the alternative of riding or walking.2. one of the things, propositions, or courses of action that can be chosen: The alternative to riding is walking.3. a possible or remaining course or choice: There was no alternative but to walk.adj.4. affording a choice of two or more things, propositions, or courses of action.5. (of two things, propositions, or courses) mutually exclusive so that if one is chosen the other must be rejected: The alternative possibilities are neutrality and war.6. employing or following nontraditional or unconventional ideas, methods, etc.; existing outside the establishment: an alternative newspaper; alternative lifestyles.7. Logic. (of a proposition) asserting two or more choices, at least one of which is true.Also, alternate (for defs. 1-4, 6).[1580-90; ALTERNATE + -IVE]
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Universalium. 2010.