alternate
25
3.8
- noun
- /ˈɔːltərnɪt/
- Each family grouping will put forward one spokesperson and an alternate to attend monthly meetings.
- jurors and alternates
- choose an alternate
- select alternates
Examples
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Now, most of these spots are already filled but each weight division needs an alternate just in case the champion in that division can't compete.
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As an alternate, she was ready to step in if the main performer couldn't make it.
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Maybe I can join the cast as an alternate or something.
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I put you down... as my alternate.
-
You made her my alternate?
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I was an alternate for Season 3 Ice Road Truckers.
-
Five members of the jury and the two alternates were Black.
Fiction book (2001) -
Ms. Marshall, are you prepared to fulfill your duties as an alternate?
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I was an alternate for the '92 Olympic team.
-
Twenty-eight applicants were interviewed, and ten were selected with eight alternates.
Academic text (2008)
Synonyms
342
2.0
A person or thing that takes the place of another
158
3.2
A person or thing that takes the place of another
150
2.9
A person who takes another person's place when needed
75
6.8
A person who acts for someone else in a particular role
23
4.2
A person who takes another person's place, for example in a performance or at work
6
3.5
A person who temporarily does another person's job
1
4.0
A person or thing that takes the place of another
A person or thing that takes another's place for a time
A person or thing placed to take another person's place
Antonyms
How Ready
Surface Forms
Morphology
alternate = altern + ate
The noun meaning 'a substitute' follows directly from the idea of someone who stands in or takes turns, a clear extension of the alternating sense.
Etymology
The noun alternate comes from the Latin root alter, meaning 'other', so an alternate is literally the 'other' person ready to step in. That is why an alternate is a substitute or backup when someone cannot be there.