What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Alternative vs Standby - What's the difference?

alternative | standby |

As nouns the difference between alternative and standby

is that alternative is a situation which allows a mutually exclusive choice between two or more possibilities; a choice between two or more possibilities while standby is state of readiness without being immediately involved.

As an adjective alternative

is relating to a choice between two or more possibilities.

As a verb standby is

wait briefly: an alternative spelling of nocap=1|lang=en.

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

    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

    * * ----

    standby

    English

    Alternative forms

    * stand-by

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • State of readiness without being immediately involved.
  • ''The troops were on standby in case of an attack.
  • (travel) Waiting at the airport in the hope of getting a seat on a flight that is already booked out.
  • Something that is standard, well-tested, or frequently used.
  • That recipe is an old standby , and she keeps the ingredients around in case of unexpected guests.

    Verb

  • Standby while I check that for you.