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Glite Dictionary
instead

instead

∞ 1.0
In place of something else
  • adverb
  • /ɪnˈstɛd/
translation icon : en lugar de
  • Find something you like instead of wasting your time following people you don't like.
  • use instead
  • instead, simply
  • argue instead

So the blast instead of going out, went up.

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Examples

  • I expected to be the least experienced journalist on staff; instead, I was one of the most experienced.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Yeah, we went with Plan B instead.

    The Wrath of Becky (2023)

  • What seems like age might instead be style.

  • The training was eight years instead of three years.

  • So instead I guess I just get to look like this.

  • HOPE participants are not forced to receive drug treatment; instead, they are required to stop using.

    Academic text (2011)

  • I'm in Dallas right now instead of LA.

  • Lockhart points out that we should not start class with definitions but instead should start with problems.

    Academic text (2011)

  • So that's why I chose bonds instead of gold.

  • You should try salad instead of fries for a healthier meal.

Synonyms

rather
vsinstead
∞ 1.0

Instead of that, say or do something different

expresses a neutral replacement without contrast or correction
alternatively
vsinstead
33 3.5

To suggest another option instead

serves as a straightforward substitution for one thing or person

Surface Forms

instead positive

Morphology

instead = stead (semi-transparent) = in + stead

The meaning 'in place' follows directly from the combination in + stead, but 'stead' is archaic and may be unfamiliar to many learners, reducing full transparency.

Etymology

Instead comes from the old parts in and stead, where stead means 'place' and you can see it in homestead. So to do something instead is to do it 'in the place of' something else, or as a different choice.