instance Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an occurrence of something
    case; example.
    • it was a case of bad judgment
    • another instance occurred yesterday
    • but there is always the famous example of the Smiths
  2. noun an item of information that is typical of a class or group
    example; illustration; representative.
    • this patient provides a typical example of the syndrome
    • there is an example on page 10
  3. verb clarify by giving an example of
    exemplify; illustrate.

WordNet


In"stance noun
Etymology
F. instance, L. instantia, fr. instans. See Instant.
Definitions
  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. Syn. -- Example; case. See Example.
In"stance transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Instanced ; present participle & verbal noun Instancing
Definitions
  1. 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.
In"stance intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To give an example. Obs.
    This story doth not only instance in kingdoms, but in families too. Jer. Taylor.

Webster 1913