replace
v.-
1 to substitute (v.) A2 Elementaryto use a new person or thing instead of the one you had before.
to provide a substitute for something or someone that is no longer present, functional, or desired.
ExampleWe decided to replace our old car with a more electric model.
ExampleThe manufacturer had to replace the faulty components with upgraded versions to prevent further mechanical failures across the fleet.
UsageOften used with the preposition 'with' or 'by'.
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2 to take over a role (v.) B1 Intermediateto take the place of someone in a job or position.
to succeed someone in a specific role, office, or function.
ExampleThe company is looking for a new manager to replace Sarah when she leaves.
ExampleIt proved difficult to find a candidate with enough experience to replace the outgoing director, who had led the department for twenty years.
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3 to put back (v.) B1 Intermediateto put something back in the place where it is usually kept.
to restore an object to its original or proper location.
ExamplePlease replace the books on the shelf after you have finished reading them.
ExampleThe librarian spent the afternoon replacing the reference volumes that students had left scattered across the study tables.
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4 to pay back (v.) C1 Advanced Formalto give back money that has been lost or spent.
to refund or repay a sum of money, especially to restore a fund to its previous level.
ExampleThe employee had to replace the missing funds from the petty cash box.
ExampleThe insurance policy requires the claimant to replace the depreciated value of the assets before the final settlement is issued.
From re- + place.
- Verbreplace
- Nounreplacement
- Adjectivereplaceable