alternate

[/ˈɔːltərnət/ (adjective/noun) /ɔːlˈtɜːrnət/ (verb)]

verb/adjective/noun

alternar/alternado/alterno

1. (verb) to occur in turns repeatedly; to switch between two things

The lights alternate between red and green.

As luzes alternam entre vermelho e verde.

2. (adjective) occurring in turns; every other one

We have alternate Fridays off.

Temos sextas-feiras alternadas livres.

3. (adjective) available or offered as another possibility or choice

There is an alternate route to the highway.

Há uma rota alternativa para a rodovia.

4. (noun) a person or thing available as a substitute or backup

She was chosen as an alternate for the competition.

Ela foi escolhida como suplente para a competição.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

alternar

Most common translation for the verb form

Brazil

alternado/alternativa

Adjective form commonly used in technical and formal contexts

São Paulo

suplente

Used for the noun meaning 'substitute person'

Portugal

alternativo/alterno

Preferred adjective form in formal and technical usage

alternate between (something and something else) - oscilar entre

alternate route - rota alternativa

alternate reality - realidade alternativa

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