alternation

Everyday

The pattern of one thing following another again and again, like day and night or red then blue. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: an alternating pattern (1, 2, 1, 2 …). In science: the alternation of day and night, of seasons, of tides. In poetry: alternation of strong and weak beats. Phrases: alternation of, regular alternation.

Examples

• The alternation of day and night is caused by Earth spinning. tree →
• The pattern shows an alternation of red and blue beads. tree →
• There is an alternation of high and low tides. tree →
• The song has an alternation of loud and soft parts. tree →
• The alternation between sun and rain made a rainbow. tree →
• Look for the alternation in the number pattern 3, 7, 3, 7. tree →

Note

Formal; from the verb alternate (take turns). Do not confuse with "alteration" (a change). In a pattern with alternation of two items, the item at an odd place is the first one and at an even place the second.