Replace: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄

Add to dictionary

replace

[rɪˈpleɪs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

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. The mechanic will replace the car's old engine with a new one. She had to replace her broken phone.
substitute	Used when one thing is used in place of another, especially in situations involving temporary or less ideal replacements. You can substitute honey for sugar in this recipe. The teacher is out sick, so we have a substitute teacher today.
exchange	Use when talking about giving something and receiving something else in return. Let's exchange phone numbers to stay in touch. He exchanged his dollars for euros at the airport.
swap	Commonly used in casual contexts when two or more parties trade items or positions. Let's swap seats so you can have a better view. They decided to swap houses for their vacation.
alternate	Appropriate when talking about taking turns or switching between two things regularly. I like to alternate between reading fiction and non-fiction books. They alternate shifts to cover the 24-hour schedule.

Examples of usage

Please replace the old logo with the new one.
I need to replace the broken lightbulb.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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. We need to replace the old batteries John is going to replace Susan when she’s on vacation
substitute	Commonly used in academic, sports, and general contexts where one thing or person temporarily takes the place of another. The teacher had a substitute for the day If we run out of sugar, honey can be a good substitute
stand-in	Often refers to a person who temporarily takes the place of another, especially in performance or production scenarios. She worked as a stand-in for the lead actress We need a stand-in for the meeting while Michael is away
backup	Used when referring to a secondary option or support that is ready to be used if the primary option fails. Do you have a backup plan for the event? Make sure to save a backup copy of your report

Examples of usage

The coach decided to bring in a replace for the injured player.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "replace" in other languages:

🇵🇹 substituir

🇮🇳 बदलना

🇩🇪 ersetzen

🇮🇩 mengganti

🇺🇦 замінити

🇵🇱 zastąpić

🇯🇵 取り替える (torikaeru)

🇫🇷 remplacer

🇪🇸 reemplazar

🇹🇷 değiştirmek

🇰🇷 교체하다 (gyochehada)

🇸🇦 استبدل (istabdil)

🇨🇿 nahradit

🇸🇰 nahradiť

🇨🇳 替换 (tìhuàn)

🇸🇮 zamenjati

🇮🇸 skipta út

🇰🇿 ауыстыру

🇬🇪 შეცვლა (shec'vla)

🇦🇿 dəyişdirmək

🇲🇽 reemplazar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,404, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3401 phases
3402 infant
3403 tubes
3404 replace
3405 coat
3406 manufactured
3407 organs
...