noun / adjective / verb
alternate
A person or thing used in place of another.
An alternate replaces the injured player before the match begins.
Etymology
Latin alternare meant to do things by turns. The idea of one taking another’s turn extends to a substitute who can fill the place of the usual person or thing.
More examples
- Choose an alternate route around the road closure.
- The teacher alternated for the absent supervisor.
- Two alternates waited for a chance to compete.
Forms
alternate · alternates · alternated · alternating
Similar words
- substitute
- Directly names someone or something used in another's place.
- replacement
- Replacement can be permanent rather than someone held in reserve.