instance definition | Dictionary.com

in⋅stance

[in-stuh

ns]

noun, verb, -stanced, -stanc⋅ing.

–noun

1.	a case or occurrence of anything: fresh instances of oppression.

2.	an example put forth in proof or illustration: to cite a few instances.

3.	Law. the institution and prosecution of a case.

4.	Archaic. urgency in speech or action.

5.	Obsolete. an impelling motive.

–verb (used with object)

6.	to cite as an instance or example.

7.	to exemplify by an instance.

–verb (used without object)

8.	to cite an instance.

—Idioms

9.	at the instance of, at the urging or suggestion of: He applied for the assistantship at the instance of his professor.

10.	for instance, as an example; for example: If you were to go to Italy, for instance, you would get a different perspective on our culture.

Origin:
1300–50; ME < L instantia presence, urgency (ML: case, example). See instant, -ance

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
Cite This Source

Language Translation for : instance

Spanish:

ejemplo,

German:

das Beispiel,

Japanese:

例

View 30 other languages »

in·stance (ĭn'stəns) Pronunciation Key
n.

1. An example that is cited to prove or invalidate a contention or illustrate a point. See Synonyms at example.
2. A case or an occurrence: In all such instances, let conscience be your guide.
3. A suggestion or request: called at the instance of his attorney.
4. Archaic Urgent solicitation.
Law A legal proceeding or process; a suit.
A step in a process or series of events: You should apply in the first instance to the personnel manager.
1. A suggestion or request: called at the instance of his attorney.
2. Archaic Urgent solicitation.
Obsolete An impelling motive.

tr.v. in·stanced, in·stanc·ing, in·stanc·es

To offer as an example; cite.
To demonstrate or show by an example; exemplify.

[Middle English instaunce, from Old French instance, request, instant, and from Medieval Latin īnstantia, example, both from Latin, presence, from īnstāns, īnstant-, present; see instant.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source

instance

c.1340, "urgency," from O.Fr. instance "eagerness, anxiety, solicitation," from L. instantia "presence, earnestness, urgency," lit. "a standing near," from instans (see instant). In Scholastic logic, "a fact or example" (1586), from M.L. instantia, used to translate Gk. enstasis. This led to use in phrase for instance "as an example" (1657), and the noun phrase To give (someone) a for instance (1959, Amer.Eng.).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source

instance
noun
1.	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" [syn: case]
2.	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" [syn: example]
verb
1.	clarify by giving an example of [syn: exemplify]

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
Cite This Source

instance programming
An individual object of a certain class. While a class is just the type definition, an actual usage of a class is called "instance". Each instance of a class can have different values for its instance variables, i.e. its state.
(1998-03-06)

The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing, © 1993-2007 Denis Howe
Cite This Source

Instance

Ex*am"ple\, n. [A later form for ensample, fr. L. exemplum, orig., what is taken out of a larger quantity, as a sample, from eximere to take out. See Exempt, and cf. Ensample, Sample.]

1. One or a portion taken to show the character or quality of the whole; a sample; a specimen.

2. That which is to be followed or imitated as a model; a pattern or copy.

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as ? have done to you. --John xiii. 15.

I gave, thou sayest, the example; I led the way. --Milton.

3. That which resembles or corresponds with something else; a precedent; a model.

Such temperate order in so fierce a cause Doth want example. --Shak.

4. That which is to be avoided; one selected for punishment and to serve as a warning; a warning.

Hang him; he'll be made an example. --Shak.

Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. --1 Cor. x. 6.

5. An instance serving for illustration of a rule or precept, especially a problem to be solved, or a case to be determined, as an exercise in the application of the rules of any study or branch of science; as, in trigonometry and grammar, the principles and rules are illustrated by examples.

Syn: Precedent; case; instance.

Usage: Example, Instance. The discrimination to be made between these two words relates to cases in which we give "instances" or "examples" of things done. An instance denotes the single case then "standing" before us; if there be others like it, the word does not express this fact. On the contrary, an example is one of an entire class of like things, and should be a true representative or sample of that class. Hence, an example proves a rule or regular course of things; an instance simply points out what may be true only in the case presented. A man's life may be filled up with examples of the self-command and kindness which marked his character, and may present only a solitary instance of haste or severity. Hence, the word "example" should never be used to describe what stands singly and alone. We do, however, sometimes apply the word instance to what is really an example, because we are not thinking of the latter under this aspect, but solely as a case which "stands before us." See Precedent.

Instance

In"stance\, n. [F. instance, L. instantia, fr. instans. See Instant.]

1. The act or quality of being instant or pressing; urgency; solicitation; application; suggestion; motion.

Undertook at her instance to restore them. --Sir W. Scott.

2. That which is instant or urgent; motive. [Obs.]

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

3. Occasion; order of occurrence.

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

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

Most remarkable instances of suffering. --Atterbury.

5. A token; a sign; a symptom or indication. --Shak.

Causes of instance, those which proceed at the solicitation of some party. --Hallifax.

Court of first instance, the court by which a case is first tried.

For instance, by way of example or illustration.

Instance Court (Law), the Court of Admiralty acting within its ordinary jurisdiction, as distinguished from its action as a prize court.

Syn: Example; case. See Example.

Instance

In"stance\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Instanced; p. pr. & vb. n. Instancing.] To mention as a case or example; to refer to; to cite; as, to instance a fact. --H. Spenser.

I shall not instance an abstruse author. --Milton.

Search another word or see instance on Thesaurus | Reference | Translate

About · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · Link to Us · Report Ad · Contact Us

Get your FREE Subscription to Dictionary.com Word of the Day