alterner

to alternate

verb al-tehr-NEH Rare

Usage Note

Alterner can be used transitively (alterner les cultures — to rotate crops) or intransitively (les saisons alternent — the seasons alternate). The related adjective is alterné and the noun alternance (f) is common in political contexts to mean a change of governing party.

Examples

"Les jours de pluie et de soleil alternent en avril."

Natural Translation

Rainy days and sunny days alternate in April.

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