adv
instead
ihn-STEHD
adv
1
In place of something else already mentioned; as a substitute.
"She skipped the cake and had fruit instead."
"Instead of driving, they decided to walk to the station."
How to Use Instead
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to swap one thing in for another that was expected or mentioned.
Common pairings
instead of
do this instead
go instead
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She skipped the cake and had fruit _____.
Etymology
From Middle English "in stede," literally "in place (of)" — the same "stead" that survives in "homestead" and "stead of".