Alternative | Mean of alternative in English Dictionary

/ɑlˈtɚnətɪv/

• offering or expressing a choice
1. We have alternative [=other] plans in case the weather is bad.
2. an alternative explanation
3. We took an alternative route [=a different route] to avoid the traffic.
4. Scientists are developing an alternative approach to treating the disease.
• not usual or traditional
1. alternative rock music
2. He developed an alternative design for the new engine.
3. alternative medicine [=methods of healing or treating disease that are different from the usual methods taught in Western medical schools]
4. alternative energy/fuel
• existing or functioning outside of the established society
1. an alternative newspaper
2. alternative lifestyles
• Noun

• something that can be chosen instead of something else
1. We decided to leave since our only other alternative was to wait in the rain.
2. They left me no alternative but to call the police. [=I had to call the police]
3. I was offered no alternative.
4. The menu offered several vegetarian alternatives.
5. We've been looking for alternatives to the usual treatment, but it seems there are few options.