adverb

instead

instead

I don't want tea. I'll have coffee instead.

I don't want tea. I'll have coffee instead.

Instead of tea, I'll have coffee.

Instead of tea, I'll have coffee.

((...)) (at end of sentence) as an alternative I didn't go. I stayed home instead.

((of sth./-ing)) in place of (sth.) Instead of walking, let's take the bus.

Synonyms: rather, alternatively; Antonyms: also, as well

From Middle English 'in stede' meaning 'in place (of)'. Composed of 'in' + 'stead' (place, position).

Think of it as 'in the stead of' or 'in the place of'. You choose one thing *in the place of* another.

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