How to pronounce instead
Say it like in-STED. Instead has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STED).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce instead. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- STED
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Instead pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- STEDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of instead
American and British speakers say instead in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnˈstɛd/ in the US and /ɪnˈstɛd/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-STED.
What does instead mean?
- in place of, or as an alternative to“Felix became a herpetologist instead”“alternatively we could buy a used car”
- 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”
Where does instead come from?
From in + stead, from Middle English ine (“in”) + stede (“stead”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with instead
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of instead.
Questions about saying instead
How do you pronounce instead?
Say in-STED. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈstɛd/. In British English it is /ɪnˈstɛd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in instead?
Instead has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STED). Broken into parts: in · STED.
Do Americans and Brits say instead the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnˈstɛd/ and the British form is /ɪnˈstɛd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.