What does supplanted mean?
Supplanted is the past tense and past participle of supplant, a verb meaning to replace or supersede something. It is especially used when a newer system, method, product, or person takes the place of one that was already established. The word can also describe removing someone from a position through greater strength or influence, though this sense is less common. In contemporary usage, “the new technology supplanted the old” suggests more than a minor change: the original may become obsolete or largely disappear. The verb often appears in formal writing, particularly in discussions of technology, business, politics, and cultural change. It is related to the Latin supplantare, formed from sub- meaning “under” and plantare meaning “to plant,” reflecting the idea of putting something in another’s place.
verb (past tense and past participle)To replace or supersede something, especially something established or someone in a position. The word can also mean to remove or drive out with superior force.
- Replaced or superseded something, especially an established person, thing, method, or system.
- Removed or driven out of a position by superior force or influence.
"The new technology quickly supplanted the older system used by the company."
"The streaming service supplanted the DVD market over the following decade."
"By the end of the season, the young team had supplanted the established favorites."
To supplant something is not merely to join it, but to take its place so effectively that the original becomes largely forgotten.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does supplanted come from?
The verb derives from Old French supplanter, which came from Latin supplantare, meaning “to plant under” or “to put in the place of.” Latin supplantare was formed from sub- meaning “under” and plantare meaning “to plant.” The word entered English in the early 16th century, and its modern sense of replacing or displacing developed from the original idea of taking another’s place.
Related word forms
How supplanted is actually used
Supplanted is normally transitive and is often used when a newer, stronger, or more successful person or thing takes the place of something already in use. It can sound formal and commonly carries the implication of a decisive or complete replacement.
Easily confused with supplanted
Supplant means to replace or remove something, whereas plant commonly means to put a seed or young tree in the ground or to set up an object or activity.