It’s a word we hear so often, especially around election time, but have you ever stopped to really think about what it means to be an ‘alternate’? The word itself, with its roots in ‘alternating’ or ‘taking turns,’ hints at a secondary role, a backup plan. In its noun form, ‘alternate’ can mean a substitute, someone who steps in when the primary choice isn't available. Think of an alternate director on a board, or perhaps a student who’s an alternate for a prestigious scholarship, ready to seize the opportunity if the first choice declines.
But when we shift our focus to the word ‘candidate,’ the landscape changes quite dramatically. The reference material paints a fascinating picture, tracing ‘candidate’ back to ancient Rome. Imagine men running for public office, their togas whitened with chalk – a visual cue that literally meant ‘clothed in white.’ This practice gave rise to the Latin word candidatus, meaning someone seeking office, and from there, our modern ‘candidate’ was born. It’s a word steeped in aspiration, in being put forward, in meeting requirements, or simply being well-suited for a particular role.
So, while an ‘alternate’ might be waiting in the wings, a ‘candidate’ is actively in the running. A candidate for governor, for a job, or even for a PhD, is someone who has put themselves forward, or has been nominated, to be considered for something significant. They are the ones actively pursuing an office, a membership, or an award. The very etymology of ‘candidate’ speaks to a proactive stance, a desire to be seen and chosen, stemming from that ancient Roman tradition of appearing bright and ready.
It’s interesting how language can subtly shift our perception. An ‘alternate’ often implies a passive readiness, a state of being available. A ‘candidate,’ on the other hand, is inherently active. They are the ones aspiring, the ones being evaluated, the ones who might just make it to the finish line. The distinction, though subtle, is crucial. One is a placeholder, the other is a contender, a person actively engaged in the pursuit of a specific outcome.
