In turns, one after the other in succession, or as another option or substitute.
From Latin alternatus, past participle of alternare meaning 'to do by turns,' from alter meaning 'other.' The root suggests the back-and-forth nature of alternation.
The word embodies the rhythm of choice and change - like a pendulum swinging between options, it captures how life often moves in patterns of back-and-forth rather than straight lines.
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