Alternation Meaning
/ˈɒl.tə(ɹ)ˌneɪ.ʃən/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe reciprocal succession of (normally two) things in time or place; the act of following and being followed by turns; alternate succession, performance, or occurrence
nounThe response of the congregation speaking alternately with the minister.
Sentence Examples
The alternation of day and night was soothing.
The team practiced alternation of serves.
The pattern is created by the alternation of light and dark tiles.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The rapid ____ of light and dark in the room gave me a headache.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The poem uses a regular ____ of rhymes throughout each of its stanza.
Word Origin & History
Learned borrowing from Latin alternatio; compare French alternation. By surface analysis, alternate + -ion.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"There are Anthems to be found amongst them , where every syllable has its just length ; each part of a sentence its proper pause : where the words are not confused by perplexing alternations, or rendered tedious by unnecessary repetitions"
— 1795, William Mason, Essays, Historical and Critical, on English Church Music:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The rapid ____ of light and dark in the room gave me a headache.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The poem uses a regular ____ of rhymes throughout each of its stanza.