Definition of 'instead'

Word Frequency

instead (ɪnsted )

2. adverb

If you do not do something, but do something else instead, you do the second thing and not the first thing, as the result of a choice or a change of behaviour.

He reached for the wine but did not drink, pushed it, instead, across the table towards Joanna.

The kitchen might have been workable had Nicola kept it tidy; instead it was littered with pots and pans.

My husband asked why I couldn't just forget about dieting all the time and eat normally instead.

Synonyms: rather, alternatively, preferably, in preference More Synonyms of instead

Word Frequency

instead (ɪnˈstɛd )

adverb

as a replacement, substitute, or alternative

2. instead of

Word origin of 'instead'

C13: from phrase in stead in place

Word Frequency

instead in American English (ɪnˈstɛd ; instedˈ)

adverb

in place of the person or thing mentioned: as an alternative or substitute

to feel like crying and laugh instead

Idioms:

instead of

Word origin of 'instead'

in1 + stead

Example sentences containing 'instead'

Love success means focusing on your relationship instead of talking about the past.

The Sun (2016)

There has been a shift in farm practice towards growing maize instead of grass.

Times, Sunday Times (2014)

That becomes a way of lifting up the whole city instead of just your tribe.

Christianity Today (2000)

Maybe you can persuade your ex to see her somewhere else instead of at their home.

The Sun (2012)

What could humanity have done with the time instead?

Times, Sunday Times (2015)

Look for variety between the two of you instead of going elsewhere for your fun.

The Sun (2009)

You open one good bottle of wine instead of three mediocre ones.

Times, Sunday Times (2015)

Instead of moving towards one another we would coexist alongside one another.

Times, Sunday Times (2006)

Instead she just keeps muttering to herself.

Times, Sunday Times (2015)

How about we decide to see something else instead and change the channel?

The Sun (2014)

Try not to cram too many meetings into your day and instead take time to prepare properly.

Times, Sunday Times (2015)

You could use white wine instead or stock.

Times, Sunday Times (2012)

After a while it became clear that she was drifting away from land instead of towards it.

Times, Sunday Times (2009)

Instead it was just an exhibition of tackling techniques.

Times, Sunday Times (2006)

He was keen to talk about something else instead.

The Sun (2009)

Spread-betters backing the price of bullion for some time instead bet against it holding these highs.

Times, Sunday Times (2014)

He added that sales of champagne plummeted as punters went for cheaper sparkling wine instead.

The Sun (2012)

Those who refuse to go to their home country after being refused asylum here should go somewhere else instead.

The Sun (2008)

He asked me to go instead.

Times, Sunday Times (2011)

Instead of daydreaming about changes, you are ready and able to make them.

The Sun (2012)

Not a penny, put the cash you would have spent towards your petrol instead.

The Sun (2011)

At first he wanted to get a taxi home, but was persuaded to go to hospital instead.

Times, Sunday Times (2008)

Love is rewarding now you focus on all that's good about a relationship instead of looking for flaws.

The Sun (2013)

Instead of thinking about what we do not want, we need to focus on what we do want.

Pete Cohen and Sten Cummins with Jennai Cox HABIT BUSTING: A 10-step plan that will change your life (2002)

Trends of 'instead'

Translations for 'instead'

British English: instead /ɪnˈstɛd/ ADVERB
If you do not do something, but do something else instead, you do the second thing and not the first thing.He didn't go out with his friends. He went to the movies instead.