instance

[ in-stuhns ]

See synonyms for: instance instanced instances on Thesaurus.com

noun

a case or occurrence of anything: fresh instances of oppression.
an example put forth in proof or illustration: to cite a few instances.

Also called in·stanced dun·geon . (in an online multiplayer video game) a zone, as a dungeon, to which access is limited to a player or group of players entering simultaneously and working together: each instance is one copy of the zone in which the quests, enemies, items, events, etc., are staged exclusively for the player or group accessing it, without interference from other player characters in the larger online population of the game server.
Law. the institution and prosecution of a case.
Archaic. urgency in speech or action.
Obsolete. an impelling motive.

verb (used with object),in·stanced, in·stanc·ing.

to cite as an instance or example.
to exemplify by an instance.

(in an online multiplayer video game) to design (a zone) as a set of identical copies, staged exclusively for the player or group accessing it, without interference from the larger population of the game server, thereby presenting key narrative elements or achievements in a controlled environment: The game developers instanced a winter wonderland with special quests for the holiday event.

verb (used without object),in·stanced, in·stanc·ing.

to cite an instance.

Idioms about instance

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

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English instaunce, from Middle French instance, from Medieval Latin īnstantia “case, example” (Latin “presence, immediate applicability; earnestness, urgency”); see origin at instant, -ance

synonym study For instance

2. See case¹.

Other words from instance

coun·ter·in·stance, noun
un·in·stanced, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use instance in a sentence

There are instances in which private rehoming works out fine and is the best solution for the struggling family and the children.
Judge: Rehoming Kids Is Trafficking | Tina Traster | December 30, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Ares said there are instances where savvy gankers manage to exploit loopholes.
The Insane $11 Billion Scam at Retailers’ Return Desks | M.L. Nestel | December 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
And even today there are despicable instances of hate crimes versus Jews in our country.
Muslims & Jews Unite vs. Abercrombie & Fitch | Dean Obeidallah | December 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
In other instances, naked detainees were hooded and dragged up and down corridors while subject to physical abuse.
The Most Gruesome Moments in the CIA ‘Torture Report’ | Shane Harris, Tim Mak | December 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
For the most part passing motorists honked support, even raising their fists in solidarity in a few instances.
Mexican Protesters Look to Start a New Revolution | Jason McGahan | November 21, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

The history of that terrible hour is brightened by many such instances of native fealty.
The Red Year | Louis Tracy
She had received instructions from both the men and women; in some instances from the children.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories | Kate Chopin
I could find in the Bible more instances of Jahweh's cruelty and barbarity and lack of mercy than I can find room for.
God and my Neighbour | Robert Blatchford
I only know that there are amongst us, rare instances fortunately, but existent nevertheless—men with the souls of beasts.
Uncanny Tales | Various
Nucleated red cells are always present, although in many instances careful search is required to find them.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell Todd

British Dictionary definitions for instance

instance

/ (ˈɪnstəns) /

noun

a case or particular example
for instance for or as an example

a specified stage in proceedings; step (in the phrases in the first, second, etc, instance)
urgent request or demand (esp in the phrase at the instance of)
logic
- an expression derived from another by instantiation
- See substitution (def. 4b)
archaic motive or reason

verb(tr)

to cite as an example

Origin of instance

C14 (in the sense: case, example): from Medieval Latin instantia example, (in the sense: urgency) from Latin: a being close upon, presence, from instāns pressing upon, urgent; see instant

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with instance

instance

see under for example.

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