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instead

adverb
in-STED/ɪnˈstɛd/

1 meaning of instead

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  1. 1
    adverb
    As an alternative or replacement, usually for something already mentioned.

    He had planned to drive, but decided to take the train instead.

    The meeting was canceled, so the team spent the afternoon planning next quarter instead.

    UsageAlone it usually ends the clause: took the train instead. Before a noun or -ing form, use instead of: tea instead of coffee.

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Origin

Middle English "ine" ("in") and "stede" ("stead," meaning place) together give "in" plus "stead"; German "statt" is related.