instead

Definition

In the place of something (usually mentioned earlier); as a substitute or alternative.

Etymology

From in + stead, from Middle English ine (“in”) + stede (“stead”). Related to German statt.

Example Sentences

• "I was going to go shopping, but I went dancing instead."
• "‘It's rather like a beautiful Inverness cloak one has inherited. Much too good to hide away, so one wears it instead of an overcoat and pretends it's an amusing new fashion.’"
• "Seeing the British establishment struggle with the financial sector is like watching an alcoholic […]. Until 2008 there was denial over what finance had become. […] But the scandals kept coming, […]. A broad section of the political class now recognises the need for change but remains unable to see the necessity of a fundamental overhaul. Instead it offers fixes and patches."