French Conversation · Level 45
75 words
French word
alternative
Pronunciation
IPA/altɛʁnativ/
Meaning
- feminine nounalternative
Example
Si ça ne marche pas, propose une alternative.
If that does not work, suggest an alternative.
More examples
Pour l'instant, cherchons une alternative temporaire.
For now, let's look for a temporary alternative.
Core concept
A replacement route chosen when the first solution is rejected or fails.
Common phrases
chercher une alternative
look for an alternative
une alternative temporaire
a temporary alternative
Similar words
choix: One item that can be selected from several.
option: One possibility offered for selection.
solution: A method for resolving a problem.
plan B: A backup plan for when the original plan fails.
Definition in French
Choix proposé en substitution à une première solution qui n'est pas acceptable.
Word origin
French alternative comes from medieval Latin alternativus, formed from alternare, meaning to alternate or change in turn.
Usage tips
- As a noun, alternative is feminine: une alternative; the related adjective has the forms alternatif and alternative.
Other meanings
- optionnoun
Opposites
- solution imposéeimposed solutionnoun
Related words
- alternatifalternativeadjective
- alternancealternationnoun