French Conversation · Level 100
59 words
French word
alterner
Pronunciation
IPA/altɛʁne/
Meaning
- verbtake turns
Example
Nous allons alterner les tâches cette semaine.
We are going to take turns doing the tasks this week.
More examples
Il faut alterner travail et repos pour éviter la fatigue.
It is necessary to alternate work and rest to avoid fatigue.
Core concept
A repeating pattern in which two or more elements take turns occupying the same role.
Common phrases
alterner les tâches
alternate tasks
alterner travail et repos
alternate work and rest
alterner entre deux activités
alternate between two activities
Similar words
se relayer: To take turns performing the same role.
tourner: To have one's turn to perform the role next.
prendre le relais: To take over from another and carry on the task.
Definition in French
Faire succéder à tour de rôle deux éléments ou plus, de façon répétée.
Word origin
French alterner comes from Latin alternare, formed from alter, meaning 'the other', for taking turns with another.
Usage tips
- Unlike changer, alterner suggests a recurring back-and-forth pattern rather than a single change, as in alterner les tâches.
Other meanings
- alternateverb
Related words
- alternancealternationnoun
- alternatifalternativeadjective