Alternative

Alternative
Alternative Al*ter"na*tive, n. [Cf. F. alternative, LL. alternativa.] 1. An offer of two things, one of which may be chosen, but not both; a choice between two things, so that if one is taken, the other must be left. [1913 Webster]

There is something else than the mere alternative of absolute destruction or unreformed existence. --Burke. [1913 Webster]

2. Either of two things or propositions offered to one's choice. Thus when two things offer a choice of one only, the two things are called {alternatives}. [1913 Webster]

Having to choose between two alternatives, safety and war, you obstinately prefer the worse. --Jowett (Thucyd.). [1913 Webster]

3. The course of action or the thing offered in place of another. [1913 Webster]

If this demand is refused the alternative is war. --Lewis. [1913 Webster]

With no alternative but death. --Longfellow. [1913 Webster]

4. A choice between more than two things; one of several things offered to choose among. [1913 Webster]

My decided preference is for the fourth and last of these alternatives. --Gladstone. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Synonyms:
(between two things), (of two)


Look at other dictionaries:

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  • Alternative — Al*ter na*tive, a. [Cf. F. alternatif.] 1. Offering a choice of two things. [1913 Webster] 2. Disjunctive; as, an alternative conjunction. [1913 Webster] 3. Alternate; reciprocal. [Obs.] Holland. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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