Supplant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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supplant
[səˈplɑːnt ]
Definition
replace
Supplant means to take the place of (someone or something) through force, scheming, strategy, or the like. It involves displacing or replacing something or someone in a position of power or influence.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| supplant |
Use 'supplant' when one thing takes the place of another through strategies, growth, or changes, often implying a sense of competition or takeover.
|
| replace |
Use 'replace' when one thing is directly substituted for another, often without any competitive connotations.
|
| displace |
Use 'displace' when something or someone is moved out of its usual or original place, often by force, or due to external changes.
|
| usurp |
Use 'usurp' when taking a position of power or importance illegally or by force, often suggesting negative connotations.
|
Examples of usage
- Rising to power, the dictator sought to supplant the existing government.
- The new technology threatens to supplant traditional methods of production.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters often supplant each other to gain power, reflecting the treacherous nature of ambition.
- Dystopian novels frequently explore themes of supplantation, where old societal structures are replaced by new, often oppressive regimes.
- In '1984' by George Orwell, the Party supplants the truth, illustrating how powerful entities can rewrite history.
History
- Throughout history, colonization often involved the supplanting of indigenous cultures by foreign powers.
- The agricultural revolution saw new farming techniques supplant older methods, dramatically changing human societies.
- In technological contexts, newer inventions frequently supplant older technologies, like how digital cameras have overtaken film cameras.
Science
- In ecology, invasive species often supplant native species, disrupting local ecosystems.
- Genetic engineering can lead to one variety of a crop supplanting another for higher yield or disease resistance.
- In evolutionary biology, new species can supplant older ones through natural selection and adaptation.
Pop Culture
- In recent years, streaming platforms have begun to supplant traditional cable TV as the primary source of entertainment for many viewers.
- The rise of smartphones has supplant many daily items, like cameras and alarm clocks, becoming multifunctional devices.
- In the gaming world, new consoles and technologies often supplant earlier generations, driving the market forward.
Origin of 'supplant'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'supplant' comes from the Latin 'supplantare', meaning 'to trip up or overthrow'.
- The prefix 'sup-' means 'from below', while 'plantare' means 'to plant', suggesting the idea of uprooting.
- The term has been used in English since the 14th century, originally indicating physical displacement.
The word supplant originated from the Latin word 'supplantare', which means 'to trip up' or 'to overthrow'. It entered the English language in the 14th century, primarily used in the context of overthrowing or replacing someone or something through cunning or force.