Read the dictionary definition of instead. All definitions for this word.
1. in place of, or as an alternative to
1. Felix became a herpetologist instead
2. alternatively we could buy a used car
2. on the contrary
1. rather than disappoint the children, he did two quick tricks before he left
2. he didn't call; rather (or instead), he wrote her a letter
3. used English terms instead of Latin ones
See also:
Merriam-Webster definition of instead