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

He argues instead, that tokenized bank deposits, a transferable digital token on a unified ledger, stand a far better chance of becoming the favored form of cash in many countries.

Read more on MarketWatch

Verstappen has reeled off four consecutive podium finishes and won three of the last four Austin races, only missing out last year when Ferrari claimed a one-two, contenting himself instead with a sprint race win.

Read more on Barron's

Then there is the near stalemate on the front line - and the consequent shift in focus by the Russian army to disrupt supply lines instead.

Read more on BBC

"I kept praying: 'Please God, take my life instead of his legs,'" she cries.

Read more on BBC

But Beijing authorities have grown suspicious of U.S. listings, encouraging Chinese investors to put money instead into the Hong Kong market.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal