Substitute: meaning, definitions and examples

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substitute

[ˈsʌbstɪˌtjuːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in cooking

To use one ingredient as a replacement for another in a recipe.

Synonyms

exchange, replace, swap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
substitute	Use this when someone or something takes the place of another, often temporarily. It's often used in sports, food recipes, and roles. The coach decided to substitute the injured player. You can substitute honey for sugar in this recipe.
replace	Use this when one thing takes over the function or position of another, often permanently. It implies a change from something old or broken to something new. We need to replace the old computer with a new one. She replaced her broken phone with a new model.
exchange	This is used when you give something and receive something else in return. It can refer to goods, services, or ideas. They exchanged phone numbers after the meeting. He went to the store to exchange the shirt for a different size.
swap	This is used when two things or people exchange places or roles, often informally. It's commonly used in casual situations. They decided to swap seats during the flight. Let's swap stories over dinner.

Examples of usage

You can substitute butter with margarine in this recipe.
If you're out of milk, you can substitute water.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in sports

A player who is brought into a game to replace another player.

Synonyms

backup, replacement, stand-in.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
substitute	When you need someone or something to take the place of another person or thing temporarily or in specific situations. He was a substitute teacher for the day. You can use applesauce as a substitute for oil in baking.
replacement	When a new person or thing takes the place of another permanently, often used in employment or technology replacement scenarios. We need a replacement for the broken window. She found a replacement for her old phone.
stand-in	When a person temporarily takes the place of someone else, often used in performing arts or informal situations. The actor couldn't attend, so they used a stand-in for the rehearsal. She's just a stand-in until we find a permanent nanny.
backup	When referring to a person or thing that supports or is ready to take over if the original option fails, often used in technology and security contexts. Make sure you have a backup of all your important files. We have a backup plan in case it rains.

Examples of usage

The coach decided to bring in a substitute for the injured midfielder.
He is a reliable substitute player for the team.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'substituere', meaning 'to put under' or 'to place in the stead of'.
The first recorded use of 'substitute' in English dates back to the late 14th century.

Education

Substitutes often help maintain a continuous learning environment when the regular teacher is absent.
In classrooms, substituted roles are crucial for keeping students engaged and ensuring the curriculum continues smoothly.

Sports

In team sports, substitutes allow players to rest and recover while others fill their roles.
Strategic substitutions can change the outcome of games, showcasing the importance of adaptability and strategy.

Psychology

In behavior therapy, individuals might be encouraged to substitute unhealthy habits with healthier choices.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy often involves finding substitutes for negative thoughts with positive affirmations.

Pop Culture

In the film 'Mean Girls', the idea of 'substituting' one friend for another highlights the fickleness of teenage relationships.
The concept of substitution appears in many stories, illustrating how characters step into new roles or identities.

Translations

Translations of the word "substitute" in other languages:

🇵🇹 substituto

🇮🇳 प्रतिस्थापन (pratisthapan)

🇩🇪 Ersatz

🇮🇩 pengganti

🇺🇦 замінник

🇵🇱 zastępca

🇯🇵 代替 (だいたい, daitai)

🇫🇷 remplaçant

🇪🇸 sustituto

🇹🇷 yedek

🇰🇷 대체 (daeche)

🇸🇦 بديل (badil)

🇨🇿 náhrada

🇸🇰 náhrada

🇨🇳 替代品 (tìdàipǐn)

🇸🇮 nadomestek

🇮🇸 staðgengill

🇰🇿 ауыстырушы (aýystyrýshy)

🇬🇪 შემცვლელი (shemtsvleli)

🇦🇿 əvəzləyici

🇲🇽 sustituto

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,287, 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.

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3284 thereon
3285 financing
3286 rational
3287 substitute
3288 profile
3289 females
3290 painted
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