What does instance mean?

Definitions for instance
ˈɪn stənsin·stance

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word instance.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. case, instance, examplenoun

    an occurrence of something

    "it was a case of bad judgment"; "another instance occurred yesterday"; "but there is always the famous example of the Smiths"

  2. example, illustration, instance, representativeverb

    an item of information that is typical of a class or group

    "this patient provides a typical example of the syndrome"; "there is an example on page 10"

  3. exemplify, illustrate, instanceverb

    clarify by giving an example of

GCIDE

  1. Instancenoun

    That which offers itself or is offered as an illustrative case; something cited in proof or exemplification; a case occurring; an example; as, we could find no instance of poisoning in the town within the past year.

Wiktionary

  1. instancenoun

    Urgency of manner or words; an urgent request; insistence.

  2. instancenoun

    A case offered as an exemplification or a precedent; an illustrative example.

  3. instancenoun

    A recurring occasion, case etc.

  4. instancenoun

    A piece of evidence; a proof or sign (of something).

  5. instancenoun

    In object-oriented programming: a created object, one that has had memory allocated for local data storage; an instantiation of a class.

  6. instancenoun

    A question that can be asked in the context of a computational problem.

  7. instanceverb

    To mention as a case or example; to refer to; to cite; as, to instance a fact.

  8. instanceverb

    To cite an example as proof; to exemplify.

  9. Etymology: From instance, from instantia, from instans; see instant.

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

  1. Instance, Instancynoun

    Etymology: instance, French.

    Christian men should much better frame themselves to those heavenly precepts which our Lord and Saviour with so great instancy gave us concerning peace and unity, if we did concur to have the ancient councils renewed. Richard Hooker, b. i.

    She dwells so securely upon her honour, that folly dares not present itself. Now, could I come to her with any direction in my hand, my desires had instance and argument to commend themselves. William Shakespeare, Merry Wives of Windsor.

    The instances that second marriage move,
    Are base respects of thrift, but none of love. William Shakespeare.

    The instance of a cause is said to be that judicial process which is made from the contestation of a suit, even to the time of pronouncing sentence in the cause, or till the end of three years. John Ayliffe, Parergon.

    Yet doth this accident
    So far exceed all instance, all discourse,
    That I am ready to distrust mine eyes. William Shakespeare.

    In furnaces of copper and brass, where vitriol is often cast in, there riseth suddenly a fly, which sometimes moveth on the walls of the furnace; sometimes in the fire below; and dieth presently as soon as it is out of the furnace: which is a noble instance, and worthy to be weighed. Francis Bacon.

    We find in history instances of persons, who, after their prisons have been flung open, have chosen rather to languish in their dungeons, than stake their miserable lives and fortunes upon the success of a revolution. Addison.

    The greatest saints are sometimes made the most remarkable instances of suffering. Francis Atterbury, Sermons.

    Suppose the earth should be removed nearer to the sun, and revolve for instance in the orbit of Mercury, the whole ocean would boil with heat. Richard Bentley, Sermons.

    The use of instances is to illustrate and explain a difficulty; and this end is best answered by such instances as are familiar and common. Thomas Baker, Reflections on Learning.

    These seem as if, in the time of Edward the first, they were drawn up into the form of a law in the first instance. Matthew Hale.

    The performances required on our part, are no other than what natural reason has endeavoured to recommend, even in the most severe and difficult instances of duty. John Rogers.

  2. To Instanceverb

    To give or offer an example.

    Etymology: from the noun.

    As to false citations, that the world may see how little he is to be trusted, I shall instance in two or three about which he makes the loudest clamor. John Tillotson.

    In tragedy and satire, this age and the last have excelled the ancients; and I would instance in William Shakespeare of the former, in Dorset of the latter sort. John Dryden, Juvenal.

ChatGPT

  1. instance

    An instance is an occurrence, example, or specific case of something within a larger group, category, or concept. It refers to a particular individual or occurrence that represents or demonstrates the characteristics, qualities, or attributes associated with a broader concept or category.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Instancenoun

    the act or quality of being instant or pressing; urgency; solicitation; application; suggestion; motion

  2. Instancenoun

    that which is instant or urgent; motive

  3. Instancenoun

    occasion; order of occurrence

  4. Instancenoun

    that which offers itself or is offered as an illustrative case; something cited in proof or exemplification; a case occurring; an example

  5. Instancenoun

    a token; a sign; a symptom or indication

  6. Instanceverb

    to mention as a case or example; to refer to; to cite; as, to instance a fact

  7. Instanceverb

    to give an example

  8. Etymology: [F. instance, L. instantia, fr. instans. See Instant.]

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary

  1. Instance

    in′stans, n. quality of being urgent: solicitation: occurrence: occasion: example: (Shak.) evidence, proof.—v.t. to mention as an example.—n. In′stancy, insistency.—adj. Instan′tial (rare).—At the instance of, at the motion or solicitation of; For instance, to take as an example. [O. Fr.,—L. instantiainstans.]

Matched Categories

British National Corpus

  1. Nouns Frequency

    Rank popularity for the word 'instance' in Nouns Frequency: #1247

Anagrams for instance »

  1. ancients

  2. canniest

  3. catenins

  4. insectan

  5. tenascin

How to pronounce instance?

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of instance in Chaldean Numerology is: 9

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of instance in Pythagorean Numerology is: 4

Examples of instance in a Sentence

  1. Ambassador Sondland:

    ' Leave no stone unturned' Taylor : context : This is the first instance of Taylor witnessing a member of the irregular channel to Ukraine pushing the Ukrainians to help President Trump pursue President Trump domestic political agenda. The.

  2. Miami Dolphins:

    This isn't about me. And I understand that. This is bigger than me... this is bigger than football. Many have come before and done a lot to create change in this country for people of color. And I just felt like in this instance it was my turn to step up and be an agent for change.

  3. Peyton Manning:

    Separately, Percy Harvin described the worst instance of Percy Harvin trying to deal with anxiety. Percy Harvin talked about when Percy Harvin punched then-Seahawks teammate Golden Tate in the face before the Super Bowl against Denver Broncos. My worst one, I would say, you know, the, the Super Bowl incident, Percy Harvin said. When asked about the entire incident Percy Harvin said Percy Harvin couldnt even believe that Percy Harvin did that. DETROIT LIONS KENNY GOLLADAY MAKES INCREDIBLE GRAB FOR LATE TD ; KANSAS CITY CHIEFS GET LAST LAUGH So were down at the Super Bowl, of course, the year in New York. We were playing the Denver Broncos, Peyton Manning. Were at the practice facility. We had to practice inside because it was cold, snowin. And Golden did an interview and I just sat out the previous game with a concussion.

  4. Jared Fox:

    For a young trans girl, to be able to go to a father-daughter dance can feel very affirming because in this instance she’s recognized as a daughter.

  5. Richard Byarugaba:

    There are a couple of targets we're looking at...we for instance, believe that there are opportunities in the banking sector.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

instance#1#2965#10000

Translations for instance

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"instance." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/instance>.

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    one of four connected cavities in the brain; is continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord and contains cerebrospinal fluid
    A ventricle
    B schlockmeister
    C exponent
    D allogamy

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