Alternate and alternate are two words that are spelled identically but are pronounced differently and have different meanings, which makes them heteronyms. We will examine the definitions of the words alternate and alternate, where these words came from, and a few examples of their use in sentences.
Alternate (ALL tur nate) is a verb that means to occur by turns, to repeatedly change from one to another. The word alternate may be used as a transitive verb, which is a verb that takes an object, or an intransitive verb, which does not. The word alternate is derived from the Latin word, alternatus, which means to do by turns. Related words are alternates, alternated, alternating.
Alternate (ALL tur nut) is an adjective that describes a pattern that occurs by turns or repeatedly changes from one to another. The word alternate may also be used as a noun to mean someone who acts as a substitute for another, like a substitute team member or juror. The word alternate is also derived from the Latin word, alternatus.
Examples
The police and fire departments alternate each month to select one employee to be the recipient of this award, which is presented during PRPSC meetings in Kona. (Big Island Now)
Over the years, since the 1980s, Kerala has seen its government alternate each term between the Indian National Congress (Congress)-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) parties each time polls are held in the state with the highest literacy rate in India. (New Straits Times)
The White Sox and Nike introduced the team’s new City Connect alternate uniforms Friday morning. (Chicago Sun Times)
“With only Liposomal Amphotericin B injections in the stock, and just 880 more Liposomal expected to be received today (Thursday), the CM stressed the need to strengthen alternate drug stocks as recommended by the Expert Group constituted by his government to deal with the crisis,” read an official release. (Hindustan Times)
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