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

The chief justice, in no rush, negotiated a deal with the liberals instead: Preclearance could continue for now, but the water district could escape.

Read more on Salon

He instead recommended the 82-year-old Lee Greenwood, who is known for “God Bless the U.S.A.,” a song released a full decade before Bad Bunny was born.

Read more on Salon

Steve Smith, a 65-year-old former police officer from Colorado, has reduced his grocery bill by buying more shrimp instead of salmon and purchasing burger meat instead of rib-eye steaks.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Later discoveries of older fossils in Eurasia, dating back to the Jurassic, prompted some scientists to propose a Laurasian origin instead.

Read more on Science Daily

He plans to spend the day with his phone on 'do not disturb', potentially immersing himself instead in his rediscovered love of golf at his local club in Paisley.

Read more on BBC