instead

Instead is defined as something chosen in place of or as a substitute for something else.

(adverb)

When you want to have ice cream but you are out and you settle for pudding, this is an example of a situation where you had pudding instead.

See instead in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adverb

in place of the person or thing mentioned: as an alternative or substitute: to feel like crying and laugh instead

Origin: in + stead

See instead in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adverb

In the place of something previously mentioned; as a substitute or an equivalent: Having planned to drive, we walked instead.
In preference; as an alternative: yearned instead for a home and family.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English in sted of, in place of

Origin: : in, in; see in¹

Origin: + stede, place; see stead

Origin: + of, of; see of

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