- 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.