Replacing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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replacing

[rษชหˆpleษชsษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

text

The action of replacing something or someone.

Synonyms

exchange, replacement, substitution, switch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
replacing

Again, referring to the act of putting something new in the place of something old, typically for practical reasons.

  • The company is replacing its outdated policies with new ones.
  • They are replacing the tires on the car.
substitution

Used when one thing is used in place of another, often for functional or convenience reasons. Can sometimes carry a negative connotation if the substitute is perceived as inferior.

  • The coach made a last-minute substitution during the game.
  • Sugar can be a useful substitution for honey in baking.
exchange

Used when two parties are giving and receiving items, services, or information from one another.

  • They decided to exchange gifts during the holiday season.
  • We exchanged information to help with the project.
switch

Describes an action where one thing or position is exchanged for another, often emphasizing the act of changing. Can imply a deliberate choice to move from one state or item to another.

  • They decided to switch from gas to electric cars.
  • Weโ€™ll switch the meeting time to accommodate everyone.
replacement

Talking about a person or thing that takes the place of another, often permanently, and usually referring to objects or roles.

  • The replacement for the broken chair will arrive tomorrow.
  • She was hired as a replacement for the outgoing manager.

Examples of usage

  • The replacing of old equipment with new models is essential for efficiency in the workplace.
  • Replacing the injured player with a substitute proved to be a wise decision by the coach.
Context #2 | Verb

work

To take the place of something or someone.

Synonyms

exchange, replace, substitute, switch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
replacing

Refers to the process where one thing takes the place of another as an active ongoing action.

  • She is replacing the old curtains with new ones
  • They are replacing the flat tire
substitute

Used when one thing takes the place of another, often in a more temporary or specific way. Also could imply that the substitute is not the exact same as the original.

  • You can substitute sugar with honey in this recipe
  • The teacher was out, so a substitute came in her place
exchange

Used when two things are traded for each other, either physical objects or abstract items, like information, usually mutually agreed upon.

  • They decided to exchange books
  • The students will exchange ideas during the meeting
switch

Implies a change between two states, positions, or things, often manually or willingly. It can imply a quick or deliberate shift.

  • He switched jobs last year
  • You can switch between different modes on the game console
replace

Indicates the act of taking something out and putting another thing in its place. It is often used for simple, everyday actions.

  • He will replace the broken window
  • She replaced the batteries in the remote

Examples of usage

  • She will be replacing the current manager next month.
  • The company is replacing its outdated software with the latest version.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In mental health, 'replacing' can refer to substituting negative thoughts with positive ones, a technique used in cognitive-behavioral therapy.
  • A common strategy in habit formation is replacing bad habits with good ones, which can help in maintaining motivation.
  • The concept of 'replacement' in relationships often involves finding healthier connections after a breakup.

Technology

  • In technology, 'replacing' often occurs in hardware upgrades, such as swapping out an old computer part for a new one to improve performance.
  • Software may require 'replacing' outdated components to ensure compatibility with newer systems.
  • With the rise of cloud computing, businesses are constantly 'replacing' old data storage methods with more efficient solutions.

Literature

  • The theme of 'replacing' appears frequently in classic literature, often representing change or transformation of characters.
  • In many stories, a protagonist might replace their old identity with a new one during their quest for self-discovery.
  • Symbolism of 'replacing' can connect to renewal, often depicted in coming-of-age narratives.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, characters often replace their former selves or situations to embark on new adventures.
  • The concept of 'replacement' is a common trope in superhero stories, where new heroes take over from older ones.
  • The trend of reboots in films and series can be seen as a form of 'replacing,' introducing new casts and storylines to familiar narratives.

Origin of 'replacing'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Replacing' comes from the Old French word 'replaer,' which means to put back or restore.
  • The prefix 're-' in 'replacing' suggests doing something again, while 'placing' relates to putting something somewhere.
  • This word is formed by combining 'place' (to put) with 're-' indicating a return to a previous state.

The word 'replacing' originated from the Middle English word 'replacen', which came from the Old French word 'replacer', meaning 'to put back' or 'to restore to a former state'. The concept of replacing something has been a common practice throughout history, as people have always sought to improve or update what is in place.


See also: irreplaceable, replaceability, replaceable, replaceably, replacement, replacer.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,209 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.