Substitute Meaning
/ˈsʌb.stɪ.tʃuːt/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo use in place of something else, with the same function.
verbTo use X in place of Y.
Sentence Examples
It's a word I'd like to find a substitute for.
It is impossible to substitute machines for people themselves.
Nothing can substitute for the advice your doctor is able to give you.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The coach decided to replace the injured player with a ____ from the bench.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
If you don't have any fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice as a ____ in the recipe today.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English substituten, from Latin substitutus, past participle of substituō, from sub- (“under; beneath”) + statuō (“to put up; establish”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Mario Balotelli replaced Tevez but his contribution was so negligible that he suffered the indignity of being substituted himself as time ran out, a development that encapsulated a wretched 90 minutes for City and boss Roberto Mancini."
— 2011 April 11, Phil McNulty, “Liverpool 3 - 0 Man City”, in BBC Sport:
"Accumulation of wealth by this route may substitute for personal saving."
— 1987, James Tobin, Essays in Economics, Vol. 2, page 75:
"Ladies [in William Shakespeare's age], again, universally wore masks as the sole substitute known to our ancestors for the modern parasol; a fact, perhaps, not generally known."
— 1840 February, Thomas De Quincey, “Theory of Greek Tragedy”, in Leaders in Literature with a Notice of Traditional Errors Affecting Them (De Quincey’s Works; IX), London: James Hogg & Sons, →OCLC, footnote *, page 55:
"Since you left me, if you see me with another girl / Seeming like I'm having fun / Although she may be cute, she's just a substitute / Because you're the permanent one"
— 1965, “The Tracks of My Tears”, in Going to a Go-Go, performed by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles:
"No other love before / Could do what you do / A little so much (Oh) / So much more from you / No one else will do / There's no substitute / Your love's the finest love I've ever known / Ooh-ooh-ooh"
— 1986, The S.O.S. Band, “The Finest”, in Sands of Time:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The coach decided to replace the injured player with a ____ from the bench.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
If you don't have any fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice as a ____ in the recipe today.