Al*ter"na*tive , n. [Cf.
F. alternative, LL.
alternativa.]
1. An offer of two
things, one of which may be
chosen, but not both; a choice between two things, so that if one is taken, the
other must be left.
There is something else than the mere
alternative of absolute destruction or unreformed existence.
Burke.
2.
Either of two things or propositions offered to one's choice. Thus when two things offer a choice of one only, the two things are called alternatives.
Having to choose between two alternatives, safety
and war, you
obstinately prefer the worse.
Jowett (Thucyd.).
3. The course of action or the
thing offered in place of another.
If this demand is refused the alternative is war.
Lewis.
With no alternative but death.
Longfellow.
4. A choice between more than two
things; one of several things offered to choose among.
My decided preference is for the fourth and last of these
alternatives.
Gladstone.
Al*ter"na*tive (&?;), a.
[Cf. F. alternatif.]
1.
Offering a choice of two
things.
2. Disjunctive; as, an alternative conjunction.
3.
Alternate; reciprocal. [Obs.] Holland.
Hear it pronounced