The difference between Backup and Substitute

When used as nouns, backup means a reserve or substitute, whereas substitute means a replacement or stand-in for something that achieves a similar result or purpose.

Backup is also adjective with the meaning: standby, reserve or extra.

Substitute is also verb with the meaning: to use in place of something else, with the same function.

check bellow for the other definitions of Backup and Substitute

  1. Backup as a noun:

    A reserve or substitute.

    Examples:

    "If the goalkeeper is injured, we have a backup."

  2. Backup as a noun (computing):

    A copy of a file or record, stored separately from the original, that can be used to recover the original if it is destroyed or damaged.

    Examples:

    "After the power failure, we had to restore the database from backup."

  3. Backup as a noun:

    An accumulation of material caused by a (partial) obstruction or (complete) blockage of the flow or movement of the material, or an accumulation of material that causes an overflow due to the flow being greater than the maximum possible flow.

    Examples:

    "The accident caused a mile-long backup on the highway."

    "The blockage caused a backup in the plumbing."

  4. Backup as a noun (law enforcement):

    reinforcements

    Examples:

    "He's got a gun! You'd better send for backup."

  1. Backup as an adjective:

    Standby, reserve or extra.

    Examples:

    "I am only a backup player."

  2. Backup as an adjective (computing):

    That is intended as a backup.

    Examples:

    "Make a backup copy of that file."

  1. Backup as a verb:

  1. Substitute as a verb (transitive):

    To use in place of something else, with the same function.

    Examples:

    "I had no shallots so I substituted onion."

  2. Substitute as a verb (transitive):

    In the phrase "substitute X for Y", to use X in place of Y. With increasing frequency used in the semantically opposite sense (see [http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/193079?isAdvanced=false&result=3&rskey=zYLG08&#eid20118763 the OED's notes]).

    Examples:

    "I had to substitute new parts for the old ones."

  3. Substitute as a verb (transitive):

    In the phrase "substitute X with/by Y", to use Y in place of X; to replace X with Y

    Examples:

    "I had to substitute old parts with the new ones.'' (<small>This usage was formerly proscribed.</small>)"

  4. Substitute as a verb (transitive, sports):

    To remove (a player) from the field of play and bring on another in his place.

    Examples:

    "He was playing poorly and was substituted after twenty minutes"

  5. Substitute as a verb (intransitive):

    To serve as a replacement (for someone or something)

  1. Substitute as a noun:

    A replacement or stand-in for something that achieves a similar result or purpose.

  2. Substitute as a noun (sports):

    A player who is available to replace another if the need arises, and who may or may not actually do so.

  3. Substitute as a noun (historical):

    One who enlists for military service in the place of a conscript.

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