The phrase "knew no alternative" is spelled as /nju noʊ ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv/. The pronunciation of "knew" (know) is written as /nju/, with the phoneme /n/ representing the initial voiced alveolar nasal consonant sound and the phoneme /ju/ representing the diphthong sound that starts with the high front closed vowel /i/ sound and ends with the high front closed-mid vowel /u/ sound. The word "alternative" is spelled as /ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv/, with the stressed syllable containing the schwa /ə/ sound and the ending pronounced as /tɪv/.
"Knew no alternative" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where someone does not have any other options or choices available to them. The phrase implies a sense of resignation or acceptance, indicating that the person in question is aware that there are no alternatives or alternatives have been deemed unfeasible or impossible.
In this context, the verb "knew" indicates knowledge or familiarity, suggesting that the individual is aware of the absence of other possibilities. The word "no" emphasizes the absence or lack of alternatives. The term "alternative" refers to a different option or choice that one can pursue instead of the current course of action. When someone "knows no alternative," it signifies a state of being restricted, confined, or limited to only one option.
This phrase is often employed to describe situations where the person feels compelled to proceed with a particular decision or action due to a lack of feasible alternatives. It may denote a sense of helplessness or inevitability, suggesting that there is no way to escape or deviate from the current path. "Knew no alternative" reflects a mental state where the person perceives no viable or acceptable substitutes, making it difficult for them to consider alternative courses of action.