stead
The place or role of a person that another person takes, especially in the phrase "in [someone’s] stead" meaning "instead of [someone]".
The place, role, or position of a person or thing that is taken by someone or something else as a substitute, especially in the fixed phrase "in [someone’s] stead".
Help or benefit that something gives to a person, especially in the phrase "stand you in good stead" meaning "be very helpful for you".
Usefulness, benefit, or advantage that something provides to a person, now or in the future, especially in the phrase "stand [someone] in good stead".
- Base: stead
- Plural: stead
in [someone’s] stead
1instead of a specific person
Used to say that one person does something instead of another person, taking that person’s place or role.
- When the director fell ill, her deputy gave the presentation in her stead.
- If you cannot attend the interview, no one can go in your stead.
- The prince ruled in his father’s stead while the king recovered.
stand [someone] in good stead
1be very useful to someone
To be very helpful or give someone a strong advantage, especially in later situations in life, work, or study.
- Her experience working abroad will stand her in good stead when she applies for international positions.
- Taking detailed notes during class can stand you in good stead at exam time.
- Their careful planning stood them in good stead when unexpected problems appeared.