alternate
UK: ˈɔːltəneɪt | US: ˈɔːltərneɪt
adj. occurring or following in turns; alternating
v. to take turns; to switch back and forth
n. a substitute or replacement
The word "alternate" derives from Latin "alternatus," the past participle of "alternare," meaning "to do by turns." The root "alter" (meaning "other") is combined with the suffix "-ate," which forms verbs. This reflects the core idea of switching between two or more options or states. Over time, the word expanded to include meanings like "substitute" (a person or thing that takes the place of another) and "alternating" (a repeated pattern of change).
The team members alternate shifts every week.
She served as an alternate delegate at the conference.
The pattern uses alternate colors of blue and white.
We alternate between walking and jogging during our workout.
The professor asked an alternate question when the first one went unanswered.