The term ‘supplanter’ originates from the Latin verb supplere which means ‘to fill’ or ‘to complete’. However, in modern language, supplanter carries a more specific and slightly negative connotation. It is often associated with the action of overthrowing or displacing a person or entity from its current standing or position.
The Literal Meaning
The literal meaning of the word ‘supplanter’ is one who supplants. To supplant means to take the place of another, usually by means of a scheme or strategy, often used to describe circumstances where someone takes the place of another by force or treachery. This can be seen in various scenarios, from simple personal interactions to complex political maneuvers.
The Biblical Connotations of Supplanter
Historically, the term ‘supplanter’ has been significantly associated with biblical contexts, specifically relating to the figure of Jacob from the Old Testament. Jacob is commonly referred to as a supplanter because of the way he acquired his brother Esau’s birthright and blessing.
The story goes that Jacob, whose name means ‘one who follows on another’s heels’ or ‘supplanter’, cheated his brother Esau of his birthright and blessing. As the younger twin, he was supposed to let Esau, his elder brother, lead. However, Jacob tricked his father into giving him the primary heir’s blessing that Esau was supposed to receive.
This story has led to the term supplanter being connected to deceit and trickery, although this is not necessarily the case in every context.
Supplanter in Everyday Usage
In everyday usage, the term ‘supplanter’ could refer to anything from a new technology replacing an outdated one, to a person replacing another in a job or position of authority. It’s not always viewed negatively, as advancements in technology or business often require the ‘supplanting’ of old systems or methods.
For instance, when smartphones replaced regular cell phones, they could’ve been termed as supplanters. They took over the function and position held by the regular phones by offering more sophisticated features and capabilities.
Conclusion
While the term ‘supplanter’ might carry some negative connotations due to its historical and biblical usage, it nevertheless represents a universal and inevitable phenomenon—the constant change and evolution of things. Whether applied to a person, a system, or a trend, the term acknowledges the constant cycle of displacement and replacement that marks both progress and growth.