i Register
In some senses, stead is marked as figuratively, archaic, literary, obsolete, colloquial. Watch for register when choosing this word.
stead
/stɛd/
noun 6verb 2name 2
Collocations
4ADJ.
better, difficult, good
VERB + STEAD
built, put, reign, run, speak, want, welcome
STEAD + NOUN
people, promotion, thee
PREP.
in, in, than
Definitions
noun
1
The position or function (of someone or something), as taken on by a successor.
She was so wretched and so vehement, complained so much of injustice in being expected to go away instead of Anne; Anne, who was nothing to Louisa, while she was her sister, and had the best right to stay in Henrietta's stead!
His nurse had told him all about changelings, and how the little people would always try to steal a beautiful human child out of its cradle and put in its stead one of their own ailing, puking brats […]
2
A place as it relates to a role, service, or ability; capacity.
One may not expect to entirely stop the oncoming energy but the outgoing stands in a different stead, for in this a certain amount of ruling is possible by the native.
For instance, those who operate under generally available terms and conditions or whose interconnection agreements do not confer a contractual right to the BOC performance they seek under section 271 may stand in a different stead than those who have pursued claims that a BOC has failed to perform as required by agreement.
3
A relational or circumstantial position; standing.
Though small and delicate-looking, she gave an impression of intense earnestness and latent toughness, qualities that stood her in good stead when she dared to challenge the most intrusive communist society in eastern Europe.
4
A place as it relates to situation, circumstance, or status; condition.
Anthropology in India started in a different stead than what was the situation of its emergence in other countries.
I shiver to the cold solitude Overwhelming desire to have a different stead I don't know why I don't know why I'm just afraid to fly […]
5
A place, or spot, in general; location.
For he ne wonneth in one certaine stead, / But restlesse walketh all the world around[…].
The three Princes ceased not travelling together for seven days, at the end of which time one said to other, "Let us separate and let each make search in a different stead, so haply shall we hit upon our need."
verb
1
To help, support, benefit or assist; to be helpful.
May you stead me? will you pleasure me? shall I know your answer?
I could never better stead thee than now.[…]
2
To fill the stead or place of something.
noun
1
One's partner in a romantic relationship.
C'mon lah!! Wake up.. Y R U stupid girls so CHEAP!! Imagine a baby making out with an adult! Want to have stead,.. Go find 1 16yr old rich kid lah!! At for let those men take advantage!! Remember Men CANNOT be Trusted!! Boys maybe can.
I prefer to know a guy better as a friend first before even considering him as a potential stead.
Thesaurus
Idioms & Phrases
Example Bank
601
She was so wretched and so vehement, complained so much of injustice in being expected to go away instead of Anne; Anne, who was nothing to Louisa, while she was her sister, and had the best right to
Wiktionary02
His nurse had told him all about changelings, and how the little people would always try to steal a beautiful human child out of its cradle and put in its stead one of their own ailing, puking brats [
Wiktionary03
Had Daniel Ortega not got himself illegally on to this year’s ballot to seek a third term, his wife might have run in his stead.
Wiktionary04
May you stead me? will you pleasure me? shall I know your answer?
Wiktionary05
I could never better stead thee than now.[…]
Wiktionary06
Some food we had and some fresh water that / A noble Neapolitan, Gonzalo, / Out of his charity,—who being then appointed / Master of this design,—did give us, with / Rich garments, linens, stuffs, and
WiktionaryUsage Notes
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