alternative
                    
      英 [ɒlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv]                            
                        美 [ɑːlˈtɝː.nə.t̬ɪv]                    
                    
                        
- adj. 供选择的;选择性的;交替的
 
- n. 二中择一;供替代的选择
 
                     
                    
                    
                 
                
             
                        
            
                1. altern- + -ative.
2. => offering one or the other of two.
3. Alternate means "by turns;" alternative means "offering a choice." Both imply two kinds or things.            
                        
            
                
- alternative (adj.)
 
- 1580s, "offering one or the other of two," from Medieval Latin alternativus, from Latin alternatus, past participle of alternare (see alternate (v.)). Meaning "purporting to be a superior choice to what is in general use" was current by 1970 (earliest reference is to the media). Alternative energy is from 1975. Related: Alternatively.
 
- alternative (n.)
 
- 1620s, in rhetoric, from Medieval Latin alternativus (see alternative (adj.)). Of courses of action, from 1814. Of objects, etc., "the other of two which may be chosen," by 1838.
 
                  
                        
            
                
- 1. New ways to treat arthritis may provide an alternative to painkillers. 
  - 关节炎的新疗法可能是止痛药之外的另一种选择。
   
- 2. It seems clear that he has no reasonable alternative. 
  - 他没有其他合适的选择,这一点似乎很清楚。
   
- 3. There may be alternative methods of substantiation other than written records. 
  - 除书面记录外,可能还有其他方法可以证实。
   
- 4. Is there an alternative to traction for a broken leg? 
  - 对于腿部骨折有什么方法替代牵引治疗吗?
   
- 5. I was interested in alternative medicine and becoming an aromatherapist. 
  - 我对替代疗法非常感兴趣,想做个芳香疗法治疗师。