adverb
instead
in-STED/ɪnˈsted/
As an alternative or substitute.
She chooses fresh fruit instead of the offered cake.
Etymology
The pieces mean “in the place”: an alternative occupies the place assigned to something else. That idea of taking another's position gives the meaning “as a substitute.”
In context
change default setting to reply instead of reply all.
More examples
- She could not come, so her brother came instead.
- Use a spoon instead of a fork.
- I chose the blue shirt instead.
Forms
instead
Similar words
- alternatively
- Often introduces another option rather than an actual substitution.
- rather
- Often expresses choosing one option over another within a contrast.