instance
IHNS-tuhns
Instance (noun) means a particular example or occurrence of something. Example: “This is just one instance of the same problem happening across the company.”
noun
1
A particular example or occurrence of something.
"This is just one instance of the same problem happening across the company."
"In this instance, we'll make an exception to the rule."
"For instance, you could bring a salad if you want to help."
2
(computing) A specific occurrence of something created from a general template, such as an object created from a class.
"The program creates a new instance of the class each time a user logs in."
"Each instance of the game runs separately on its own server."
"Creating a second instance of the object lets you test both versions."
verb
1
To mention or cite as an example.
"He instanced several cases where the policy had failed."
"She instanced her own village as proof that small schools can thrive."
"The author instances several earlier studies to support his claim."
How to use instance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA specific example or occurrence of something — used both in everyday speech and, more technically, in computing.
Common pairings
for instance
in this instance
a rare instance of
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Word forms
- Plural
- instances
- Third person singular
- instances
- Past tense
- instanced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
This is just one _____ of the same problem happening across the company.
Etymology
From Latin instantia ("presence, urgency"), from instans ("urgent, pressing").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for instance
See all rhymes for instance →Frequently asked questions
What does “instance” mean?
The word “instance” means a particular example or occurrence of something. In plain terms, a specific example or occurrence of something — used both in everyday speech and, more technically, in computing.
How do you pronounce “instance”?
“Instance” is pronounced IHNS-tuhns (/ˈɪnstəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “instance” in a sentence?
Here is “instance” used in a sentence: “This is just one instance of the same problem happening across the company.”
What is the opposite of “instance”?
The opposite of “instance” — its antonyms — is noninstance.
What part of speech is “instance”?
Depending on how it is used, “instance” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “instance” come from?
The word “instance” comes from Latin. From Latin instantia ("presence, urgency"), from instans ("urgent, pressing").
Is “instance” a common word?
“Instance” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “instance” have?
“Instance” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a particular example or occurrence of something.
What is the difference between an instance and an example?
The two overlap heavily and are often interchangeable. An example is something chosen to illustrate a general rule or type. An instance stresses that a single case actually occurred — one specific time something happened. You give an example to explain a point, but you cite an instance to prove something took place.
What is the difference between 'instance' and 'instant'?
They look alike but mean different things. An instance is a particular case or occurrence of something. An instant is an extremely short moment of time. The confusion is easy because both come from the same Latin root, yet in modern English an instance is an example while an instant is a split second.
What does 'for instance' mean?
"For instance" is a common phrase meaning "for example." You use it to introduce a specific case that illustrates a broader point, as in "Many fruits are rich in vitamin C — oranges, for instance." It is interchangeable with "for example" in almost every everyday context, spoken or written.
What is an example of an instance?
If a shop reports three instances of shoplifting in one week, each separate event is an instance. Likewise, a single time a word appears in a book is one instance of that word. The term simply points to one concrete occurrence out of many possible ones.
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