1510s, from Latin alternatus "one after the other," past participle of alternare "to do first one thing then the other; exchange parts," from alternus "one after the other, alternate, in turns, reciprocal," from alter "the other" (see alter). Alternate means "by turns;" alternative means "offering a choice." Both imply two kinds or things.
alternate (v.)
1590s, from Latin alternatus, past participle of alternare (see alternate (adj.)). Replaced Middle English alternen "to vary, alternate" (early 15c.). Related: Alternated; alternating.
alternate (n.)
1718, "that which alternates (with anything else)," from alternate (adj.). Meaning "a substitute" is first attested 1848.
中文解释
1. altern- + -ate.2. => one after the other, by turns.3. Alternate means "by turns;" alternative means "offering a choice." Both imply two kinds or things.
实用例句
1. The three acts will alternate as headliners throughout the tour.
这3个节目将在整个巡回演出中轮流打头牌。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Now you just alternate layers of that mixture and eggplant.
现在你只需把茄子和拌料一层层交替放好。
来自柯林斯例句
3. His group was forced to turn back and take an alternate route.
他的小组被迫返回并选择了另一条路线。
来自柯林斯例句
4. Lesley had agreed to Jim going skiing in alternate years.
莱斯莉已同意吉姆每隔一年去滑一次雪。
来自柯林斯例句
5. They were streaked with alternate bands of colour.