replace
Definitions
To take the place of someone or something; to substitute
取代；代替
To put a new or different thing in the position of an old one
更换；换上（新的）
To put something back in its former position
把……放回原处
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (back, again) + place (put in a spot). The oldest sense is literally 'put back.' But it shifted: 'put a NEW thing in the old thing's spot' = substitute. So 'replace A with B' means B now occupies A's position. The 'put back' sense survives mainly in physical phrases like 'replace the lid.'
Root place still carries 10 more wordsUsage Guide
- replace A with B = put B in A's place (NOT 'replace A by B' in everyday English; 'by' appears mostly in passive/formal: A was replaced by B).
- substitute is the reverse: 'substitute B for A' = use B in place of A. Same outcome, opposite word order — a classic trap.
- The plain 'put back' sense (replace the receiver) sounds slightly formal/old-fashioned; in speech people often say 'put back.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
We had to replace the old heater before winter arrived.
- 2.
No machine can fully replace a skilled human translator.
- 3.
She gently replaced the book on the shelf and left.
Easily Confused
replace vs substitute — both swap one thing for another, but the syntax flips: replace A WITH B vs substitute B FOR A. replace vs displace — replace stresses the new thing taking over the spot (substitution); displace stresses the old thing being pushed OUT of its spot (ousting).