alternare

to alternate

verb ahl-ter-NAH-reh Rare

Origin: From Latin alternare, 'to do by turns'.

Also means

to take turns

Usage Note

Alternare is a transitive verb meaning to alternate two or more things (alterna periodi di lavoro e riposo, she alternates periods of work and rest). The reflexive alternarsi means 'to take turns' or 'to alternate' intransitively (i due si alternano alla guida, the two take turns driving). It takes avere as auxiliary in compound tenses.

Examples

"Il tempo alterna sole e pioggia questa settimana."

Natural Translation

The weather alternates sun and rain this week.

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