Alternative

01 a. Offering a choice of two things.

02 n. 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.

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.
“There is something else than the mere alternative of absolute destruction or unreformed existence.” — Burke.
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. See: alternatives
“Having to choose between two alternatives, safety and war, you obstinately prefer the worse.” — Jowett (Thucyd.).
3.
The course of action or the thing offered in place of another.
“If this demand is refused the alternative is war.” — Lewis.

“With no alternative but death.” — Longfellow.
4.
A choice between more than two things; one of several things offered to choose among.
“My decided preference is for the fourth and last of these alternatives.” — Gladstone.