instead

[ in-sted ]
/ ɪnˈstɛd /

adverb

as a substitute or replacement; in the place or stead of someone or something: We ordered tea but were served coffee instead.
in preference; as a preferred or accepted alternative: The city has its pleasures, but she wished instead for the quiet of country life.

Idioms for instead

    instead of, in place of; in lieu of: You can use milk instead of cream in this recipe.

Origin of instead

1175–1225; Middle English; orig. phrase in stead in place

British Dictionary definitions for in-stead of

instead
/ (ɪnˈstɛd) /

adverb

as a replacement, substitute, or alternative
instead of (preposition) in place of or as an alternative to

Word Origin for instead

C13: from phrase in stead in place