'Instead' definitions:

Definition of 'instead'

adverb

In place of, or as an alternative to; "Felix became a herpetologist instead"; "alternatively we could buy a used car" [syn: alternatively, instead, or else]

adverb

On the contrary; "rather than disappoint the children, he did two quick tricks before he left"; "he didn't call; rather (or instead), he wrote her a letter"; "used English terms instead of Latin ones" [syn: rather, instead]

Definition of 'Instead'

From: GCIDE

Instead \In*stead"\, adv. [Pref. in- + stead place.] [1913 Webster]
1. In the place or room; -- usually followed by of. [1913 Webster]
Let thistles grow of wheat. --Job xxxi. 40. [1913 Webster]
Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab. --2 Sam. xvii. 25. [1913 Webster]
2. Equivalent; equal to; -- usually with of. [R.] [1913 Webster]
This very consideration to a wise man is instead of a thousand arguments, to satisfy him, that in those times no such thing was believed. --Tillotson. [1913 Webster]