Stead: meaning, definitions and examples
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stead
[ stɛd ]
place, position
The term 'stead' refers to a place or position where someone or something is located. It often implies a sense of permanence or stability. In historical contexts, 'stead' was frequently used to denote a farm or a homestead, signifying a settled, established area of land. It can also be used to indicate acting in someone's place, or serving as a substitute. This usage highlights the importance of continuity and reliability in various contexts.
Synonyms
place, position, setting, site
Examples of usage
- She took his place in the stead during the meeting.
- The old house stood in good stead for many generations.
- He worked tirelessly to keep the family business in stead.
Translations
Translations of the word "stead" in other languages:
🇵🇹 lugar
- posição
- sustentar
🇮🇳 स्थान
- सिर
- सहारा देना
🇩🇪 Ort
- Stelle
- unterstützen
🇮🇩 tempat
- posisi
- menyokong
🇺🇦 місце
- позиція
- підтримувати
🇵🇱 miejsce
- pozycja
- wspierać
🇯🇵 場所
- 位置
- 支える
🇫🇷 lieu
- position
- soutenir
🇪🇸 lugar
- posición
- sostener
🇹🇷 yer
- pozisyon
- desteklemek
🇰🇷 장소
- 위치
- 지지하다
🇸🇦 مكان
- موضع
- يدعم
🇨🇿 místo
- pozice
- podporovat
🇸🇰 miesto
- pozícia
- podporovať
🇨🇳 地方
- 位置
- 支持
🇸🇮 kraj
- pozicija
- podpirati
🇮🇸 staður
- staða
- styðja
🇰🇿 орын
- позиция
- қолдау
🇬🇪 ადგილმდებარეობა
- პოზიცია
- მხარდაჭერა
🇦🇿 yer
- mövqey
- dəstək olmaq
🇲🇽 lugar
- posición
- sostener
Etymology
The word 'stead' originates from the Old English 'stede', which means a place or position. Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word '*staiþwō', which also implied a standing or position. Over the centuries, 'stead' evolved to encompass various meanings related to location and stability, while also taking on figurative connotations of substitution and representation. The Old English usage was closely associated with farms and homesteads, reflecting the agrarian society of the time. As the English language progressed, 'stead' maintained its relevance, especially in legal and formal contexts, and it continues to appear in expressions like 'in lieu of' or 'in someone's stead.' Today, the word is less commonly used in everyday language, save for specific contexts, but it remains a significant term with a rich etymological history.