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instance

 - 6 dictionary results

in⋅stance

  [in-stuhns] noun, verb, -stanced, -stanc⋅ing.
Use instance in a Sentence
–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

Synonyms:
2. See case 1 .
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To instance
in·stance   (ĭn'stəns)   
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.

  2. Law A legal proceeding or process; a suit.

  3. 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.

  5. Obsolete An impelling motive.

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

  1. To offer as an example; cite.

  2. 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 © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

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
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: in·stance
Pronunciation: 'in-st&ns
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Late Latin instantia, from Latin, the fact of being present or impending, vehemence in speech, urgency, from instant- instans insistent, pressing, from present participle of instare to be pressing, stand upon
: the institution or prosecution of a lawsuit instance>
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Computing Dictionary

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
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Idioms & Phrases

instance

see under for example.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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