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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of instead

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

Example Sentences

Stacy comes to find tremendous solace in making one’s coffee over a wood-burning stove instead of waiting in line at the local café.

From Salon

Large corporations are not ditching core business software despite an AI-driven stock selloff, instead seeking better deals.

From The Wall Street Journal

Traders are now expecting the Federal Open Market Committee’s next move to be a rate hike instead of a cut.

From Barron's

He has instead set up his own employment agency, India Works, in partnership with Aditi Banerjee, of Magic Billion, to help bring more young Indian workers to Germany.

From BBC

But instead of hunting rabbits and rats, it rapidly turned its attention to the easy prey of ground-nesting birds, their eggs and chicks.

From BBC