instead of

== English == === Alternative forms === in stead of (archaic) in the stead of (chiefly formal or literary) === Etymology === From Middle English in stede of, in stude of (“instead of”, literally “in stead of, in place of”), equivalent to in +‎ stead +‎ of (cf. in one's stead). Cognate with Saterland Frisian insteede, ansteede (“instead of”), West Frisian ynstee (“instead of”), Dutch instede (“instead of”), German anstatt (von) (“instead of”), Danish i stedet (“instead of”). === Pronunciation === === Preposition === instead of In lieu of; in place of; rather than. ==== Usage notes ==== Instead of is followed by a noun, pronoun or gerund; it may also be followed elliptically by a preposition, adverb, adjective or phrase. ==== Translations ==== === Anagrams === DiStefano, Distefano