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instead of

preposition
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in·​stead of | \ in-ˈste-də(v) How to pronounce instead of (audio) , -ˈsti- \

Definition of instead of

: in place of : as a substitute for or alternative to chose tea instead of coffee

First Known Use of instead of

13th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for instead of

Middle English in sted of

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The first known use of instead of was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Instead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead%20of. Accessed 16 Oct. 2021.

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More Definitions for instead of

instead of

preposition
in·​stead of | \ in-ˈste-dəv How to pronounce instead of (audio) \

Kids Definition of instead of

: in place of : as a substitute for I had milk instead of juice.

More from Merriam-Webster on instead of

Nglish: Translation of instead of for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of instead of for Arabic Speakers

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