Instead: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”„
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instead

 

[ ษชnหˆstษ›d ]

Adverb / Conjunction
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

in place of something

as an alternative or substitute

Synonyms

alternatively, in place of, rather.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
instead

Used when you want to replace one thing with another, indicating a direct substitution.

  • She didn't go to the party; instead, she stayed home and read a book
alternatively

Used when presenting another option or choice, often suggesting a different path or method.

  • You can take the bus to get there
  • Alternatively, you could ride a bike
rather

Used for expressing a preference or a stronger choice over something else. It can also indicate a correction.

  • I'd rather have tea than coffee
  • It wasn't the pizza that was bad, rather it was the service
in place of

Used when something is intended to be a direct replacement for another, often in physical or functional terms.

  • Use olive oil in place of butter for this recipe

Examples of usage

  • You can use yogurt instead of sour cream in this recipe.
  • I decided to walk instead of taking the bus today.
Context #2 | Conjunction

introducing a different idea

used to introduce a different idea or to express contrast with a previous statement

Synonyms

conversely, in contrast, on the contrary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
instead

This is used when you are suggesting an alternative to something that has been mentioned. It often implies an action or thing that will be done in place of another.

  • We decided to walk instead of taking the bus.
  • She spent the evening reading a book instead of watching TV.
on the contrary

This phrase is used to oppose a statement or idea that was mentioned before. It implies a contradiction and is often used in arguments and debates.

  • Many people think he is guilty. On the contrary, I believe he is innocent.
  • She expected the process to be difficult. On the contrary, it turned out to be very simple.
conversely

This word is used when presenting the opposite of something just mentioned, often used in more formal writings or discussions to illustrate a contrast in a logical manner.

  • You can choose to study more to improve your grades. Conversely, if you ignore your studies, your grades will suffer.
  • The north of the country is very cold in winter. Conversely, the south remains warm.
in contrast

Use this phrase when drawing a direct comparison between two different things, particularly when pointing out differences. It is often used to make distinctions clear.

  • In contrast to his brother, John is very quiet and reserved.
  • The city is bustling and full of life. In contrast, the countryside is calm and tranquil.

Examples of usage

  • I thought he would be at home. Instead, he was at work.
  • She didn't go to the party. Instead, she stayed home and read a book.

Translations

Translations of the word "instead" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น em vez de

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ‡ เคฌเคœเคพเคฏ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช statt

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sebagai gantinya

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฐะผั–ัั‚ัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zamiast

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไปฃใ‚ใ‚Šใซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท au lieu de

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ en lugar de

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yerine

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋Œ€์‹ ์—

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุฏู„ุงู‹ ู…ู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mรญsto

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ namiesto

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไปฃๆ›ฟ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ namesto

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รญ staรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพั€ะฝั‹ะฝะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒœแƒแƒชแƒ•แƒšแƒแƒ“

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ษ™vษ™zinษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ en lugar de

Etymology

The word 'instead' originated from Middle English 'in stead' meaning 'in place of'. It has been used in English since the 13th century. Over time, it has evolved to its current form and usage in modern English.

Word Frequency Rank

At #821 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.