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substitution

C1
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /sˌʌbstɪtjˈuːʃən/

US

  • /ˌsəbstɪˈtuʃən/

Description

Substitution is all about one thing taking the place of another. Think of a substitute teacher stepping in for your regular teacher. It can be as simple as using honey instead of sugar in a recipe or as strategic as one player replacing another on a sports team. You might also use it in math to solve an equation.

It is often about choosing something else that can do the same job when the original is not available or not the best choice. If a recipe calls for butter and you use oil instead, that is a simple substitution. The main idea is finding a working alternative that keeps things moving.

Examples

  1. 1

    Cooking

    Mashed banana is a common substitution for eggs in pancakes.

  2. 2

    Restaurant orders

    The restaurant allows substitutions, but you have to ask before you order.

  3. 3

    Sports

    The coach made a substitution just before halftime.

  4. 4

    Transit changes

    The substitution of buses for trains caused long delays for commuters.

    • Pattern

      substitution of A for B

      using A instead of B

  5. 5

    Medical emergency

    There is no substitution for clear communication in a medical emergency.

    • Pattern

      no substitution for + thing

      nothing can really replace it

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • substitutionnoun

Forms

  • substitutionspluralnoun