substitute

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To use one thing in place of another that does the same job.

   I had no shallots, so I substituted onions.

2. 2
   verb

   To take the place of someone or something temporarily.

   The young teacher had to substitute for a sick colleague.

3. 3
   noun

   A person or thing used in place of another.

   Honey can be a healthy substitute for sugar.

4. 4
   noun

   A player ready to replace another during a game.

   The coach brought on a substitute in the second half.

5. 5
   verb

   To take a player off the field and bring on another.

   He played poorly and was substituted after twenty minutes.

From Middle English substituten, from Latin substitutus, past participle of substituō, from sub- (“under; beneath”) + statuō (“to put up; establish”).

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