instead

[in-sted]

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.

instead

/ ɪnˈstɛd /

adverb

1. as a replacement, substitute, or alternative

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of instead¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of instead¹

C13: from phrase in stead in place

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

   You can use milk instead of cream in this recipe.

Example Sentences

While anatomical evidence has supported this idea, the goal of the new study was to determine whether the prefrontal cortex sends one broad type of signal or instead crafts distinct messages for different target regions.

Read more on Science Daily

Similarities between moai appear to come from the sharing of cultural knowledge instead of coordinated, joint labor.

Read more on Science Daily

She’s raising a 5-year-old son who often asks her to stay home with him instead of leaving him with a babysitter.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Jabs were scarce; instead, the fight descended into clinches from Clarke and heavy leaning from TKV, with lunging, telegraphed punches punctuating the action.

Read more on BBC

It will, instead, ferry Avanti staff from Manchester to London when the new timetable launches on 15 December.

Read more on BBC