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alternate vs backup

backup vs alternate

alternate and backup both are nouns.

alternate is an adjective but backup is not an adjective.

alternate is a verb but backup is not a verb.

Word NounAdjectiveVerbAdverb
alternate Yes Yes Yes No
backup Yes No No No
As nouns, backup is a hypernym of alternate; that is, backup is a word with a broader meaning than alternate:
  • alternate: someone who takes the place of another person
  • backup: someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult)
Other hypernyms of alternate include backup man, fill-in, relief, reliever, stand-in, substitute.
alternate (noun) backup (noun)
someone who takes the place of another person the act of providing approval and support
(computer science) a copy of a file or directory on a separate storage device
a musical part (vocal or instrumental) that supports or provides background for other musical parts
someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult)
an accumulation caused by clogging or a stoppage
alternate (adjective) backup (adjective)
of leaves and branches etc; first on one side and then on the other in two ranks along an axis; not paired
serving or used in place of another
occurring by turns; first one and then the other
every second one of a series
alternate (verb) backup (verb)
do something in turns
go back and forth; swing back and forth between two states or conditions
reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action)
be an understudy or alternate for a role
exchange people temporarily to fulfill certain jobs and functions
Difference between alternate and backup

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