What does supplanting mean?
Supplanting means replacing or displacing someone or something, particularly by taking an established position, role, or market share. The word is frequently used when a newer product, method, idea, or group takes the place of an older one. “Supplanting traditional methods” suggests that the old methods have become unnecessary, while “supplanting an incumbent” often implies a deliberate challenge to someone already in power. The word can carry a critical or strategic undertone, as it may imply that the former holder has been pushed aside rather than voluntarily replaced. Supplanting is not limited to politics or business; it can describe the replacement of an old tradition, an earlier species, a previous design, or even an earlier stage in a person’s life. Its unusual history gives the familiar modern meaning an memorable context: the word originally drew on the image of putting a plant underfoot to trip or overthrow someone.
verbSupplanting is the present participle of supplant: replacing or displacing someone or something, especially by taking their place or making them obsolete.
- Replacing or displacing someone or something, especially by taking their position, role, or place.
"The streamlined design was rapidly supplanting the bulky models that had dominated the market."
"The streamlined design was rapidly supplanting the bulky models that had dominated the market."
"By investing in younger performers, the studio was carefully supplanting its established stars."
The word began with the image of tripping someone by putting a plant underfoot, before “supplanting” broadened into taking someone’s place.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does supplanting come from?
Supplanting is the present participle of supplant, which comes from Latin supplantare, commonly analyzed as sub- “under” combined with planta “plant.” The Latin verb referred to tripping or overthrowing someone, and English adopted the word in the early 16th century. Its sense broadened to include replacing someone in a position, while related forms such as plant and plantation reflect the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How supplanting is actually used
The form is especially common in journalism, business, politics, and technology writing. It often suggests that the previous person or thing has been made obsolete, although the replacement may be intended rather than hostile.
Easily confused with supplanting
Planting means putting plants in the ground, whereas supplanting means replacing or displacing someone or something.