The verb "sustituir" is used in Spanish to indicate the action of replacing one thing with another. It is commonly utilized in various contexts including economics (e.g., substituting goods), law (substituting parties or obligations), and general everyday language when referring to replacing items, roles, or responsibilities.
The frequency of use is quite high given its versatility in different contexts. "Sustituir" is often seen in both oral and written discourse; however, it tends to be more frequently encountered in written texts like academic articles, legal documents, or formal reports due to its precise nature.
The teacher had to substitute the math class for a history one.
En muchos casos, es necesario sustituir ciertos productos para mejorar la calidad.
In many cases, it is necessary to substitute certain products to improve quality.
La empresa decidió sustituir a los empleados temporales por personal fijo.
"Sustituir" is not commonly found in specific idiomatic expressions; however, it does appear in phrases that convey the idea of replacing or changing one thing for another. Here are some example sentences reflecting this concept:
It is easier to substitute a custom than a bad habit.
El sistema de transporte público podría sustituir el uso del automóvil.
The public transportation system could substitute the use of the car.
A veces es necesario sustituir la teoría por la práctica.
Sometimes it is necessary to substitute theory for practice.
Sustituir el azúcar por miel puede ser una opción más saludable.
The term "sustituir" comes from the Latin word "substituere," which is a combination of "sub-" meaning "under" and "statuere" meaning "to place." Thus, its original connotation relates to placing something underneath or in the stead of another.
Sustitución (substitution)
Antonyms: