Replace Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
replace
[rษชหpleษชs ]
Definitions
text editing
To put something back in the place where it was before or to find a substitute for something.
Synonyms
alternate, exchange, substitute, swap.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| replace |
Use when you need to put something new in the place of something old or damaged.
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| substitute |
Used when one thing is used in place of another, especially in situations involving temporary or less ideal replacements.
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| exchange |
Use when talking about giving something and receiving something else in return.
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| swap |
Commonly used in casual contexts when two or more parties trade items or positions.
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| alternate |
Appropriate when talking about taking turns or switching between two things regularly.
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Examples of usage
- Please replace the old logo with the new one.
- I need to replace the broken lightbulb.
sports
A player who is substituted for another during a game.
Synonyms
backup, stand-in, substitute.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| replace |
General term used to indicate that something or someone is taking the position or function of another thing or person.
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| substitute |
Commonly used in academic, sports, and general contexts where one thing or person temporarily takes the place of another.
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| stand-in |
Often refers to a person who temporarily takes the place of another, especially in performance or production scenarios.
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| backup |
Used when referring to a secondary option or support that is ready to be used if the primary option fails.
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Examples of usage
- The coach decided to bring in a replace for the injured player.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Technology
- In computing, 'replace' often indicates a function that changes old data or files with new ones.
- Replacement algorithms are frequently used in programming to improve efficiency, allowing quick updates of information.
- The rise of artificial intelligence emphasizes the concept of replacement, as machines increasingly take over tasks once done by humans.
Psychology
- In behavioral psychology, when people replace negative habits with positive ones, they're engaging in a form of cognitive restructuring.
- Therapy methods often involve helping clients replace harmful thought patterns with healthier, more constructive ones.
- The process of replacing an object can also relate to attachment theories, indicating how individuals emotionally manage loss.
Literature
- In narratives, characters often face replacement themes, such as when one hero takes the place of another or when friendships evolve.
- Classic literature sometimes addresses objects or ideas being replaced to symbolize change or growth in characters.
- The theme of replacement often drives plot devices in fantasy fiction, where old worlds are replaced by new realities.
Pop Culture
- In movies, the concept of replacement frequently appears in sequels where new actors take on iconic roles from previous films.
- Comedians often play with the idea of replacement in their acts, joking about how certain trends or people get swapped out over time.
- In music, replacing band members can lead to a shift in sound and style, which can evoke a mixed response from fans.
Origin of 'replace'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'replace' comes from the Latin word 'replacere', which means 'to put back'.
- In French, 'replacer' also means to return something to a place. This influence shaped its format as it entered English.
- The prefix 're-' implies doing something again, while '-place' refers to the location, making the term quite descriptive.
The word 'replace' originated from the Latin word 'replacere', which means 'to please'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'to restore to a former state'. The concept of replacement is common in various aspects of life, from everyday tasks like changing a lightbulb to complex operations like organ transplants.
See also: anyplace, displace, displacement, everyplace, misplace, misplacement, misplacing, place, placed, placeholders, placement, placements, places, placing, placings, someplace.