in-stead of

in·stead

I i

Definitions of in-stead of words

adverb in-stead of as a substitute or replacement; in the place or stead of someone or something: We ordered tea but were served coffee instead. 1
adverb in-stead of in preference; as a preferred or accepted alternative: The city has its pleasures, but she wished instead for the quiet of country life. 1
idioms in-stead of instead of, in place of; in lieu of: You can use milk instead of cream in this recipe. 1

before 1175

One of the 8% oldest English words

1175-1225; Middle English; orig. phrase in stead in place

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 94% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.

Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".