Alternate number Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈælˈtɝːnət ˈnʌmˌbər/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A secondary or alternative choice or option; an additional or supplementary number or designation.

Examples

• The phone number is an alternate number for emergency services.
• The team has an alternate number for their goalkeeper.

Synonyms

• Alternative
• Supplemental
• Secondary

Antonyms

• Main
• Primary
• Principal

Additional Information

Alternate numbers are often used in situations where a primary or main number is unavailable or cannot be reached. They provide an additional option for communication and can be especially useful in emergency situations.

Alternate numbers can also be used to distinguish between different versions or types of something, such as an alternate number for a software version or an alternate number for a distinct product.

Etymology

The word “alternate” comes from the Latin “alternare”, meaning “to exchange” or “to alternate”, and has been used in English since the 15th century to describe something that is replaced or varied in sequence.

Usage Notes

When using “alternate number”, it’s important to specify what it is an alternate of, as this can help to avoid confusion. For example, “The phone number is an alternate number for the office.”

Cultural References

Alternate numbers have been featured in several popular culture references, including the TV show “Star Trek” and the movie “The Matrix”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

There are several idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “alternate”, such as “alternate between” or “alternate for”.

Related Words or Phrases

• Alternative
• Complementary
• Supplementary

Collocations

• Alternate number for
• Alternate to
• Alternate as

Frequency of Use

Alternate numbers are used relatively infrequently in everyday language, but can be an important concept in specific contexts such as business or technology.

Common Misspellings

• Alturnate
• Alternat