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Alternating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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alternating

[หˆษ”หltษ™neษชtษชล‹ ]

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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

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 charactersโ€™ 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.

Origin of 'alternating'

The word 'alternating' is derived from the Latin word 'alternare', which means 'to do by turns'. The concept of alternating patterns has been observed in various fields such as mathematics, art, and music. The use of alternating sequences has been a common practice in creating visual interest and rhythm in different forms of art.

See also: alter, alterably, alteration, alterations, altercation, altered, alterer, altering, inalterably, subaltern, unalterable, unaltered.

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.