Alternately: meaning, definitions and examples
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alternately
[ɔːlˈtɜːnətli ]
Definitions
in a alternating sequence
Taking turns in sequence; first one thing, then the other.
Synonyms
interchangeably, sequentially, successively.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| alternately |
Use this word when referring to situations where two things happen one after the other in a regular pattern.
|
| sequentially |
This word fits when describing events or actions that follow a specific order, one after another.
|
| interchangeably |
This word is appropriate when indicating that two or more items can be used in place of one another without any significant difference.
|
| successively |
Use this word when discussing events or occurrences that happen one after another without interruption.
|
Examples of usage
- During the game, the players alternately took shots at the target.
- She alternately laughed and cried while watching the movie.
used to describe something that occurs in turns
Occurring in or forming a repeated series.
Synonyms
intermittent, reciprocal, rotating.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| alternately |
Used to describe actions or events that happen one after another in a regular pattern.
|
| intermittent |
Used to describe actions or events that happen occasionally and not regularly or continuously.
|
| reciprocal |
Used to describe actions or feelings that are given and received in return, typically between two people or groups.
|
| rotating |
Used to describe actions or positions that regularly change among a group of people in a cycle.
|
Examples of usage
- They painted the room in alternately colored stripes.
- The alternately flashing lights caught the attention of the drivers.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'alternare,' meaning 'to do by turns.'
- It was first used in English around the late 14th century.
- The prefix 'alter-' indicates change, emphasizing the concept of switching or varying.
Mathematics
- In math, alternating sequences or series can be used to study convergence properties.
- An alternating series has terms that move from positive to negative or vice versa, simplifying calculations.
- Alternately, patterns in math may help solve complex problems by breaking them into manageable parts.
Pop Culture
- In music, alternating between two chords can create an interesting rhythm or mood.
- Television shows often use alternate storylines to keep the audience engaged with unexpected twists.
- The concept of alternate realities is a popular theme in movies, allowing characters to explore different life choices.
Cognitive Science
- Research suggests that alternating between tasks can enhance cognitive flexibility and attention.
- Doing activities alternately can help improve learning and retention of information.
- Switching back and forth between tasks—known as task switching—can increase problem-solving skills.
Nature
- In ecology, species may alternate roles in an ecosystem, like predator and prey, showing a balance in food chains.
- Many animals exhibit alternating behaviors, such as foraging by switching between feeding sites to maximize resources.
- Seasonal changes can lead to alternating animal migration patterns and behaviors depending on environmental conditions.
Translations
Translations of the word "alternately" in other languages:
🇵🇹 alternadamente
🇮🇳 बारी-बारी से
🇩🇪 abwechselnd
🇮🇩 bergantian
🇺🇦 почергово
🇵🇱 naprzemiennie
🇯🇵 交互に (こうごに)
🇫🇷 alternativement
🇪🇸 alternadamente
🇹🇷 dönüşümlü olarak
🇰🇷 번갈아
🇸🇦 بالتناوب
🇨🇿 střídavě
🇸🇰 striedavo
🇨🇳 交替地 (jiāotì de)
🇸🇮 izmenično
🇮🇸 til skiptis
🇰🇿 кезек-кезек
🇬🇪 მორიგეობით
🇦🇿 növbə ilə
🇲🇽 alternadamente