You’ve Heard It Plenty of Times, but What Exactly Does ‘In Lieu Of’ Mean?
With certain announcements, there are phrases or terms used that we could be somewhat familiar with but couldn't confidently tell you their exact meaning. RSVP, anyone? And that's not the only one—what about fully understanding the "in lieu of" meaning?
While there are some common uses of this specific phrase, you may be wondering if you've totally grasped its definition. Well, no need to scratch your head any longer—we'll fill you in not only on what it means, but how to pronounce "in lieu of," as well as provide examples of how to correctly use it in a sentence.
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"In Lieu Of" Meaning
The word "lieu" is French for "place." With this in mind, the phrase "in lieu of" means "in place of." The Cambridge English Dictionary simply defines the phrase as "instead of."
How To Pronounce "In Lieu Of"
If you would like to use this phrase in conversation, the word "lieu" is pronounced like the British word for bathroom—the "loo."
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How Do You Use "In Lieu Of" Correctly?
How do you use "in lieu of" in a sentence? Well, here are a couple of fun examples for practice.
"In lieu of fine chocolates, Bob gave Holly a homemade Valentine's Day card that said, 'I would've given you chocolates today, but I ate them all.'"
"When Dan split his pants sliding across the stage on his knees while playing guitar during the concert, he hid the tear by tying a shirt around his waist in lieu of changing into different drawers."
You may frequently see this phrase in obituaries or visitation/funeral announcements, informing individuals who want to pay their respects and honor the person who passed away to donate to a cause that was important to the person in lieu of flowers.
There is also a growing trend at wedding receptions to feature a sign informing guests that in lieu of favors (like succulents, packaged cookies, specialty soap, etc.), the happy couple has made a donation to a charity or organization in honor of the attendees.
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What Is Another Way To Say "In Lieu Of"?
If you want to communicate the meaning of the words "in lieu of" without actually using the phrase, you're in luck. You can use the words "instead of," "in place of," "as a substitute for" or "as an alternative to" in lieu of this phrase.
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Is "In Lieu Of" the Same as "Instead Of"?
Yes, so if you are concerned your readers or the people you're conversing with will get hung up on this phrase, you might want to say "instead of."
What Is the Meaning of "In Lieu Of" in Legal Terms?
In legal terms, "in lieu of" still means "instead of." This phrase could be used when referring to mortgage payments being made on time each month in lieu of a home's foreclosure.
