alternate

Definition

Happening by turns; one following the other in succession of time or place; first one and then the other (repeatedly).

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin alternātus, the perfect passive participle of Latin alternō (“to take turns”) (see -ate (1,2 and 3)), from alternus (“one after another, by turns”), from alter (“other”) + -nus. Doublet of altern; see also alter.

Example Sentences

• "And bid alternate passions fall and rise"
• "One of the two boxes displaced by the new Pelaw installation will be Springwell, between Boldon Colliery and Pelaw, which has recently had the distinction of being manned by a husband and wife on alternate shifts."
• "The service is half-hourly as far as Harrogate and Knaresborough, with alternate trains going on to York."

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