As another option or possibility; instead of what has been mentioned or as a different approach. It introduces a substitute or different course of action.
From Latin 'alternatus' meaning 'done by turns', derived from 'alter' (other, second). The English adverb developed in the 17th century from 'alternative', initially describing things that occurred in turns or succession, evolving to mean 'as another option' by the 18th century.
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