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Meaning & use

alternate lifestyle

noun·Advancedold-fashioneddisapproving

Last updated

UK/ɔːlˈtɜːnət ˌlaɪfstaɪl/
US/ˈɔːltɚnət ˌlaɪfstaɪl/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. nouncountableold-fashioneddisapproving

    A way of living that differs from what most people in a society consider normal, especially in sexual matters.

    Grammar: Countable: you can say 'an alternate lifestyle' or 'alternate lifestyles'.

    Patterns

    • an alternate lifestyle
    • live an alternate lifestyle
    • people with alternate lifestyles

    The article described the couple's alternate lifestyle in disapproving terms.

    Older textbooks sometimes used the phrase 'alternate lifestyle' for anyone outside the mainstream.

    Today most writers avoid 'alternate lifestyle' because it sounds judgmental.

  2. nouncountableold-fashioned

    Any way of living that is deliberately different from the usual one, such as living off the grid.

    Grammar: Countable and neutral in this broader sense, though the phrase is still dated.

    Patterns

    • adopt an alternate lifestyle
    • an alternate lifestyle choice

    They adopted an alternate lifestyle, growing their own food and avoiding cities.

    Some retirees choose an alternate lifestyle in the countryside.

Word forms

pluralalternate lifestyles

Common combinations

live an alternate lifestyle
He claimed to live an alternate lifestyle far from the city.
an alternate lifestyle choice
Critics called it an alternate lifestyle choice rather than a medical matter.
people with alternate lifestyles
The survey grouped people with alternate lifestyles into one category.
the so-called alternate lifestyle
The phrase 'the so-called alternate lifestyle' signals that the writer doubts the label.

Synonyms and how they differ

alternative lifestyle
This is the modern, neutral form of the same idea and is the safer choice today.
way of life
Much broader and neutral; it names any habitual way of living, not one seen as unusual.
subculture
Refers to a group sharing unusual habits or tastes, not to one person's way of living.

Opposites

mainstream lifestyle

Word family

alternatively adverb
Used to introduce another possibility.
alternative noun
One of two or more choices; also used for a different, nonstandard option.

Commonly confused: alternate lifestyle or alternative lifestyle? alternate lifestyle or alternate?

alternate lifestyle vs alternative lifestyle

'Alternative lifestyle' is the usual modern wording and is neutral; 'alternate lifestyle' is older and often sounds critical.

alternate lifestyle vs alternate

As an adjective 'alternate' means every other one (alternate days); the meaning 'other possible' is mainly American.

Practice

Which sentence uses the phrase in the most neutral, modern way?

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