stead

1 of 2

noun

ˈsted 

1

: the office, place, or function ordinarily occupied or carried out by someone or something else

acted in his brother's stead

2

: advantage

—used chiefly in the phrase to stand one in good stead

3

obsolete : locality, place

stead

2 of 2

verb

steaded; steading; steads

transitive verb

: to be of avail to : help

Synonyms

Noun

• advantage
• better
• bulge
• catbird seat
• drop
• edge
• high ground
• inside track
• jump
• pull
• upper hand
• vantage
• whip hand

Examples of stead in a Sentence

Noun

a summer internship will stand you in good stead when applying to college

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Murphy, who got the start Saturday in his stead, suggested switching masks could be beneficial. —Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 4 May 2024

Taurean Prince, a 3-and-D journeyman on a veteran deal, is starting in Middleton's stead for now. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

In their stead came new shapes — seven styles in round and elongated ovals — but using aluminum and wool felt only, creating cases four times lighter than their predecessors. Serving as a North Star to the company’s endeavors is the direction initiated by founder Frédéric Boucheron. —Lily Templeton, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024

Marks ran for 145 yards and two touchdowns in his stead. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English stede, from Old English; akin to Old High German stat place, Old English standan to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing stead

• in someone's/something's stead
• stand someone/something in good stead

Kids Definition

stead

noun

ˈsted

1

: advantage sense 3, service

their knowledge of French stood them in good stead

2

: the place usually taken or duty carried out by the one mentioned

acted in the mayor's stead