ETYM Cf. French alternatif.
1. Necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities; SYN. mutually exclusive.
2. Pertaining to unconventional choices.

ETYM Cf. French alternative, Late Lat. alternativa.
1. An offer of two things, one of which may be chosen, but not both; a choice between two things, so that if one is taken, the other must be left.
2. Either of two things or propositions offered to one's choice; thus when two things offer a choice of one only, the two things are called alternatives.
3. The course of action or the thing offered in place of another.
4. A choice between more than two things; one of several things offered to choose among.