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instead

 - 3 dictionary results

in⋅stead

  [in-sted]
Use instead in a Sentence
–adverb
1. as a substitute or replacement; in the place or stead of someone or something: We ordered tea but were served coffee instead.
2. in preference; as a preferred or accepted alternative: The city has its pleasures, but she wished instead for the quiet of country life.
—Idiom
3. instead of, in place of; in lieu of: You can use milk instead of cream in this recipe.
Origin:
1175–1225; ME; orig. phrase in stead in place
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To instead
in·stead   (ĭn-stěd')   
adv.  

  1. In the place of something previously mentioned; as a substitute or an equivalent: Having planned to drive, we walked instead.

  2. In preference; as an alternative: yearned instead for a home and family.


[Middle English in sted of, in place of : in, in; see in1 + stede, place; see stead + of, of; see of.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

instead 
1595, from M.E. ine stede (c.1225, see stead); still often two words until after c.1640. A loan-translation of L. in loco (Fr. en lieu de).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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