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instead
[ in-sted ]
/ ÉȘnËstÉd /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adverb
as a substitute or replacement; in the place or stead of someone or something: We ordered tea but were served coffee instead.
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 about instead
instead of, in place of; in lieu of: You can use milk instead of cream in this recipe.
Origin of instead
1175â1225; Middle English; originally phrase in stead in place
Words nearby instead
instant replay, instar, instate, in statu quo, instauration, instead, instead of, instep, instigate, instigation, instigator
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use instead in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for instead
instead
/ (ÉȘnËstÉd) /
adverb
as a replacement, substitute, or alternative
instead of (preposition) in place of or as an alternative to
Word Origin for instead
C13: from phrase in stead in place
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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