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Alternant vs Alternative - What's the difference?

alternant | alternative |

As nouns the difference between alternant and alternative

is that alternant is (linguistics) an alternate form or allomorph while alternative is alternative.

As an adjective alternant

is alternating from one row of a matrix to another.

alternant

English

Adjective

(-)
  • Alternating from one row of a matrix to another.
  • (geology) Composed of alternate layers, like certain rocks.

    • Noun

    (en noun)
  • (linguistics) An alternate form or allomorph.
  • (mathematics) A determinant which is an alternating function.

    • Derived terms

    * alternant matrix ----

    alternative

    English

    (wikipedia alternative)

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Relating to a choice between two or more possibilities
    • an alternative proposition
  • Not traditional, outside the mainstream, underground (e.g., alternative medicine, alternative lifestyle, (alternative rock)).
  • Other.
  • alternate; reciprocal
    • (Holland)

    Derived terms

    * alternative dispute resolution * alternative energy * alternative lifestyle * alternative medicine * alternative press * alternative vote

    Related terms

    * alternate * alternativeness * alternativism

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A situation which allows a mutually exclusive choice between two or more possibilities; a choice between two or more possibilities.
  • * 1817 , (Walter Scott), Rob Roy , XI:
    • ‘The cloister or a betrothed husband?’ I echoed—‘Is that the alternative destined for Miss Vernon?’
  • One of several mutually exclusive things which can be chosen.
  • The remaining option; something available after other possibilities have been exhausted.

    • Synonyms

    * See also

    See also

    *

    References

    * * ----