instead
/ɪnˈstɛd/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Meaning · English
In the place of something (usually mentioned earlier); as a substitute or alternative.
Adverb
Examples
I was going to go shopping, but I went dancing instead.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “instead” mean?
In the place of something (usually mentioned earlier); as a substitute or alternative.
Is “instead” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.