alternatively
UK: ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪvli | US: ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪvli
adv. as another option or possibility
adv. used to introduce a different or contrasting idea
The word "alternatively" derives from the Latin root alternus ("one after the other"), combining alter ("other") with the adjectival suffix -ive and the adverbial -ly. It reflects the concept of switching between choices, preserving the core idea of "otherness" from its Latin ancestor. The suffix -ive (via Old French) marks it as an adjective, while -ly converts it into an adverb, emphasizing manner or possibility.
You could take the bus, or alternatively, walk to save money.
The recipe suggests butter, but you can alternatively use olive oil.
Alternatively, we could postpone the meeting until next week.
She considered studying medicine; alternatively, law seemed appealing.
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