Alternatiiviks

Alternatiiviks is the translative case form of the Estonian noun alternatiiv, meaning “an alternative.” In Estonian, the translative case expresses a role or state into which something changes, so alternatiiviks translates roughly as “as an alternative” or “to serve as an alternative.” It is commonly used when presenting options or comparing choices. For example: See võiks olla alternatiiviks; Kui see plaan ei sobi, võib see muutuda alternatiiviks.

The word alternatiiv is a loanword from Western European languages, cognate with German Alternative and English alternative. It ultimately derives from Latin alternativus, based on alter meaning “the other” and the notion of alternating or choosing between options. In Estonian, the root word is used in various inflected forms beyond alternatiiviks, depending on case and number.

Usage notes emphasize that alternatiiviks marks a specific option among several. It often appears in formal writing, debates, and decision-making contexts when one option is proposed as a substitute or rival to another. It contrasts with broader terms like võimalus (possibility) or valik (choice) by signaling a defined alternative rather than a general option.

Related terms include võimalus, valik, and variant. While they overlap in meaning, alternatiiv and its translative form highlight comparative consideration of distinct options rather than merely noting that an option exists.