Alternating: meaning, definitions and examples

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alternating

[ˈɔːltəneɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

pattern

Occurring in a regular sequence, typically with the positions of successive elements alternating.

Synonyms

interchanging, rotating, switching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
alternating	Used when describing a sequence where two or more different elements follow each other in a specific pattern. The lights were alternating between red and green He spoke with an alternating tone of excitement and calm
interchanging	Used when two or more things are exchanged with each other in a way that they can take each other's place. The twins are so similar that people often end up interchanging their names You can start by interchanging the parts to see which combination works better
rotating	Used when describing movement in a circle or the process of taking turns regularly. The Earth is constantly rotating on its axis We take rotating shifts so that everyone gets a chance to rest
switching	Used when describing the action of changing from one thing to another, often abruptly. She is always switching between different projects He kept switching the TV channels until he found something interesting

Examples of usage

The team wore shirts of alternating colors.
She made an alternating pattern with the tiles on the floor.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

action

To change repeatedly or regularly between two contrasting conditions or actions.

Synonyms

alternate, switch, vary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
alternating	Used to describe actions or events happening one after the other in a regular pattern. The lights were alternating between red and green The band played alternating fast and slow songs
switch	Used when talking about changing from one thing to another. It's often used with machines, devices, or choices. Switch off the lights when you leave She switched from tea to coffee
alternate	Often used when talking about choices or options that occur one after another, or when something happens every other time. We take turns driving on alternate days Students can attend classes on alternate weekends
vary	Applied when talking about things that are different in small ways or change over time. The weather can vary greatly from day to day Prices vary depending on the season

Examples of usage

He was alternating between laughter and tears.
The chef was alternating between stirring and adding ingredients.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

In mathematics, 'alternating' can describe a sequence where terms switch signs, like positive and negative numbers.
The concept is vital in series and summations, where alternating series can converge to a specific value.
Patterns of alternating even and odd numbers often appear in problems involving sequences and counting.

Music

In music, alternating themes can create engaging compositions, moving between different melodies or rhythms.
A technique called 'call and response' often features in music, where one part alternates with another, creating a dialogue.
Alternating time signatures, like switching between 4/4 and 3/4, can make a piece feel dynamic and interesting.

Psychology

Alternating tasks can improve focus; switching tasks may help prevent burnout and keep the brain engaged.
A study showed that alternating study sessions with breaks leads to better retention of information.
Alternating emotions in storytelling can create a rollercoaster experience, enhancing viewer engagement.

Technology

In digital circuits, alternating signals are crucial for encoding information in communication technologies.
Alternating current (AC) in electricity alternates direction, making it efficient for long-distance power transmission.
In computer algorithms, alternating between different methods can optimize problem-solving processes.

Literature

Writers often use alternating perspectives to give depth to a story, letting readers see events from multiple characters’ viewpoints.
Alternating chapters between two timelines can build suspense and reveal secrets gradually throughout a novel.
In poetry, alternating rhyme schemes can create rhythm and a pleasing structure, enhancing the emotional effect.

Translations

Translations of the word "alternating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alternado

🇮🇳 बारी-बारी से

🇩🇪 wechselnd

🇮🇩 bergantian

🇺🇦 чергування

🇵🇱 naprzemienny

🇯🇵 交互

🇫🇷 alternatif

🇪🇸 alternante

🇹🇷 dönüşümlü

🇰🇷 번갈아

🇸🇦 متناوب

🇨🇿 střídavý

🇸🇰 striedavý

🇨🇳 交替

🇸🇮 izmenično

🇮🇸 víxlandi

🇰🇿 кезекпен

🇬🇪 მონაცვლეობა

🇦🇿 dəyişən

🇲🇽 alternante

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,030 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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7027 frustration
7028 slid
7029 sect
7030 alternating
7031 abandonment
7032 illumination
7033 instructional
...