alternate
The Spanish word 'suplente' translates to 'alternate' in English. In the context of a team or group, an alternate or 'suplente' is someone who can replace another person. It is used to refer to someone who is second in line or a backup. In sports, for instance, the 'suplente' would come in to replace another team member who is unable to play. The term embodies the concept of being ready to step in when necessary, even if it's not typically the main role.
The substitute for the teacher arrived late to class.
This phrase indicates that the substitute teacher, who is filling in for the regular teacher, arrived after the class had already started.
We need a substitute for tomorrow's soccer game.
Here, the speaker is expressing the need for someone to take the place of a player in a soccer game, highlighting the role of a substitute in sports.
The substitute is as good as the starter.
This phrase suggests that the substitute player is equally skilled as the main player, indicating that the quality of the substitute can be comparable to that of the primary player.