Lieu

usgb/luː/
noun

Instead of, or in place of something.

They took a cash payment in lieu of the prize they won.
Visual representation of "lieu" - Instead of, or in place of something

Often appears as...

  • in lieu of
  • payments in lieu
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "lieu"
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In place of

Use 'lieu' to mean 'instead of' when you're talking about replacements or alternatives.

Illustration for In place of
They offered me extra vacation time in lieu of a raise.
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Formal situations

'In lieu of' is fairly formal; it's used in business, legal contexts, or serious writing more than casual conversation.

Illustration for Formal situations
In lieu of traditional proceedings, the company held a mediation session.
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Fixed expression

'In lieu of' is a set phrase; don't change its form. Don't say 'in the lieu of' or 'in lies of'.

Illustration for Fixed expression
Guests are asked to make donations in lieu of gifts.
Visual representation of the word "Lieu"

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