supplant
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
To take the place of (someone or something) by force, scheming, or underhanded means.
To replace or supersede, often implying that the new thing is more effective, advanced, or desirable, thereby causing the old to be abandoned.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries a strong connotation of displacement, often through strategy or superior force. It is not a neutral synonym for 'replace'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Usage patterns are virtually identical.
Connotations
Equally strong connotations of usurpation or forceful, cunning replacement in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American journalistic and business contexts, but the difference is minimal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Noun Phrase] supplanted [Noun Phrase] as [Noun Phrase][Noun Phrase] was supplanted by [Noun Phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
New fintech startups aim to supplant established banks by offering more agile services.
Academic
Kuhn argued that scientific revolutions occur when a new paradigm supplants an old, entrenched one.
Everyday
Streaming services have largely supplanted DVD rentals.
Technical
In horticulture, grafted plants may supplant seedlings for faster fruit production.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new manager was brought in to supplant the previous one.
- Digital photography has supplanted film in most commercial applications.
American English
- The updated software will supplant the old version next month.
- Coal has been largely supplanted by natural gas for power generation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Mobile phones supplanted landlines in many homes.
- The younger player supplanted the veteran in the starting lineup.
- The revolutionary theory supplanted centuries of accepted dogma.
- Her ambition was to supplant him as the head of the department.
- The conglomerate sought to supplant its main competitor through aggressive acquisition and innovation.
- In his analysis, postmodernism doesn't supplement modernism but seeks to supplant it entirely.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cunning plant (SUPPLANT) that grows over and completely takes the place of another plant, choking it out.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS WAR (to supplant is to defeat and take the territory/position of another).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'supplement' (дополнять). 'Supplant' означает именно 'вытеснять, занимая чьё-то место'.
- Ближе по смыслу к 'подсидеть' или 'сместить', чем к нейтральному 'заменить' (replace).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'supplant' to mean simply 'add to' or 'supplement'.
- Using it in informal contexts where 'replace' or 'take over' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario BEST illustrates the meaning of 'supplant'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically neutral-to-negative, as it focuses on the displacement of one thing by another, often implying force or strategy. The context determines if this is seen as progress or usurpation.
'Replace' is neutral and broad. 'Supplant' is more specific and forceful, emphasizing that the new entity actively takes the place of the old, often causing the old to become obsolete or be removed.
Yes, very commonly. It is frequently used in academic, scientific, and technological contexts to describe how new theories, technologies, or methods displace older ones (e.g., 'Einstein's theory supplanted Newtonian mechanics').
Yes, 'supplantation' or 'supplanting' can be used as nouns, though they are quite rare. 'Displacement' or 'replacement' are more common nominal equivalents.