Supplanted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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supplanted

[sษ™หˆplรฆntษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

replacement action

To supplant means to take the place of someone or something that was previously there, often in a sudden or forceful manner. This term is frequently used in contexts where one thing is ousted or displaced by something newer or more effective. It can refer to ideas, practices, or individuals being replaced. Supplanting can occur in various fields, including business, technology, and social structures.

Synonyms

displace, overthrow, replace, substitute, usurp.

Examples of usage

  • The new technology supplanted the old methods.
  • Her ideas supplanted his outdated beliefs.
  • The younger generation has supplanted the elders in many traditions.
  • Online shopping has supplanted traditional retail.
  • The film's success has supplanted the previous box office records.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

History

  • Throughout history, many leaders have been supplanted by rivals or successors, changing the course of nations.
  • In agriculture, more efficient crops often supplanted traditional ones, revolutionizing food production.
  • The rise of computers supplanted many manual jobs, especially in industries like manufacturing and accounting.

Literature

  • In Shakespeareโ€™s works, characters often supplanted others in love or leadership, showcasing the theme of betrayal.
  • George Orwell's '1984' illustrates how a regime supplants truth with propaganda, affecting society's perception of reality.
  • Fantasy novels frequently depict younger generations supplanted by powerful beings or heroes, exploring themes of legacy and power.

Science

  • In ecological studies, invasive species often supplant native species, disrupting local ecosystems.
  • In technology, newer versions of software can supplant older versions, improving functionality and security.
  • The idea of supplanted theories in science often refers to how new discoveries can replace long-held beliefs or models.

Pop Culture

  • Many sequels in film franchises have supplanted original movies in popularity, sometimes causing debates among fans.
  • In the world of fashion, new trends continually supplant older ones, reflecting cultural shifts.
  • Video games often see new releases that supplant previous ones, leading to discussions about nostalgia versus innovation.

Origin of 'supplanted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'supplantare', meaning 'to trip up' or 'to overthrow'.
  • Originally, it was used to describe the act of stepping on another's foot to unbalance them in a game.
  • Over time, it evolved to signify replacing something in a broader context.

The word 'supplant' originates from the Latin word 'supplantare', which is a combination of 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'plantare' meaning 'to plant'. The idea conveyed in the etymology is of something being planted under another, leading to its removal or being pushed out. The term entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, around the 15th century, with a similar connotation of displacing or overshadowing something. Over the centuries, 'supplant' has retained its meaning primarily within contexts of competition and replacement, evolving to apply to various fields such as politics, social dynamics, and even technology. Its usage has grown in literature and rhetoric to illustrate the dynamics of power and change.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,146, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.