instead

American  

[in-sted] / ɪnˈstɛd /

adverb

1. as a substitute or replacement; in the place or stead of someone or something.

   We ordered tea but were served coffee instead.

2. in preference; as a preferred or accepted alternative.

   The city has its pleasures, but she wished instead for the quiet of country life.

---

idioms

1. instead of, in place of; in lieu of.

   You can use milk instead of cream in this recipe.

instead British  

/ ɪnˈstɛd /

adverb

1. as a replacement, substitute, or alternative

2. (preposition) in place of or as an alternative to

---

Etymology

Origin of instead

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English; originally phrase in stead “in place”

Example Sentences

Rather than following suit, Banton put away his trademark shot - he tried it once to Watt early on, but never again - and instead targeted straight boundaries.

From BBC

Pickersgill says the numbers have grown to the point where Sunderland Strollers have fielded five women's teams on occasion, instead of struggling to just form one.

From BBC

But could social media trends like BookTok persuade them to put down their phones, and pick up a book instead?

From BBC

But it did not move to crush the industry as Beijing did, instead opening "a window for domestic businesses to experiment", according to Tien.

From Barron's

Have you invested in the market instead of real estate?

From The Wall Street Journal