French word

alternance

Pronunciation

IPA/altɛʁnɑ̃s/

Meaning

  • feminine nounalternation

Example

Il y a une alternance entre le jour et la nuit.

There is an alternation between day and night.

Illustration for alternance (alternation)

More examples

Elle suit une formation en alternance cette année.

She is following a work-study program this year.

Core concept

A repeated sequence in which separate elements take turns in a predictable rhythm.

Common phrases

  • formation en alternance

    work-study program

  • alternance entre théorie et pratique

    alternation between theory and practice

Similar words

rotation: An arrangement where people or things rotate through different positions or roles.
rythme: The regular pace or spacing at which events repeat.
cycle: A set sequence that repeats from its beginning after reaching its end.

Definition in French

État de changement répété entre deux ou plusieurs éléments selon un rythme.

Word origin

The French noun derives from Latin alternantia and alternare, which describe taking turns and are related to alter, meaning 'other'.

Usage tips

  • The usual pattern is alternance entre A et B when naming the elements that take turns.

Other meanings

  • changeovernoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word