alternation
UK[ˌɔːltəˈneɪʃn]US[ˌɑːltərˈneɪʃn]
n
The repeated occurrence of two things in turn; a regular succession of one thing followed by another.
n
The process of alternating between two or more states, actions, or conditions.
Morpheme Breakdown
altern
ation
altern
other
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'alternation' traces its lineage to the Latin alter, meaning "the other (of two)." This root, in turn, is derived from the Proto-Indo-European h₂élteros, a comparative form meaning "the other of two." The Latin alternus, meaning "one after the other" or "alternate," was formed from alter, capturing the concept of reciprocal succession. By adding the noun-forming suffix -ation, the word evolved into a term describing the process or state of following one another by turns, a concept that moved from a simple binary choice to a principle of ordered, cyclical change.
Analysis
Structure: altern (other) + ation (noun suffix)
- altern: From Latin alternus (one after the other, alternate), from alter (other of two). Its functional role is to provide the core meaning of "other" or "taking turns."
- ation: A suffix of Latin origin (-ationem) used to form nouns indicating an action or process, or the result of an action.
Examples
The alternation of the seasons is a fundamental rhythm of nature.
There is a regular alternation between hope and fear in the patient's mood.
The dance involved a quick alternation of steps from left to right.