The form alternate is sometimes used, especially in American English, instead of alternative in meanings 3, 4, and 5. 尤其在美国英语中，当alternative作义项3、4和5解时，有时可用alternate替代。
1
[N-COUNT 可数名词]可供选择的；可供替代的 If one thing is an
alternative to another, the first can be found, used, or done instead of the second.
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
[ADJ 形容词]备选的；备用的；其他的 An
alternative plan or offer is different from the one that you already have, and can be done or used instead.
There were alternative methods of travel available...
还有其他可选的旅行方式。
They had a right to seek alternative employment.
他们有权另谋高就。
3
[ADJ 形容词]非传统的；另类的 Alternative is used to describe something that is different from the usual things of its kind, or the usual ways of doing something, in modern Western society. For example, an
alternative lifestyle does not follow conventional ways of living and working.
...unconventional parents who embraced the alternative lifestyle of the Sixties...
欣然接受60年代另类生活模式而不因循守旧的父母
If you like alternative comedy you'll love this book.
如果你喜欢另类喜剧的话，你就会喜欢这本书。
4
[ADJ 形容词]（医疗）传统的，替代的（如提取植物成分制成药物、按摩和针灸） Alternative medicine uses traditional ways of curing people, such as medicines made from plants, massage, and acupuncture.
...alternative health care.
传统的医疗保健
5
[ADJ 形容词]（能源）替代的，代用的 Alternative energy uses natural sources of energy such as the sun, wind, or water for power and fuel, rather than oil, coal, or nuclear power.