instance
Pluralinstances
Verbinstances, instancing, instanced
Pluralinstances
Formsinstances, instancing, instanced
- 1A case used to explain or support a point, or to guide later decisions.
Like pointing to one apple to explain what fruit is.
He gave one instance where the new rule caused problems.
Can you show me an instance of the machine breaking down?
UsageFor instance means for example. You give an instance of something.
Similarexample, case, illustration, precedent
Note
- 2One of several times that the same kind of thing happens again.
Like one bead on a string where all the beads look the same.
We found many instances of the same spelling mistake.
This is one more instance of the engine overheating.
UsageSay an instance of something. In some instances means sometimes.
Similarcase, occurrence, incident
Note
- 3
- 4To give an example to show or prove what you are saying.
To support her point, she instanced two towns where the plan had worked.
Many teachers instance this old story to show why honesty matters.
UsageSay she instanced two towns, with no word between. Give as an example is more usual.
Note
- 5A particular thing created in computing, such as an object made from a class or a running copy of a program.
Like making a new copy of a worksheet for each student.
The app starts a new instance every time you open a file.
Each user gets their own instance of the game.
Similarobject
Note
Less common meanings
- 6A separate server that runs part of a social network like Mastodon.
Like one town in a country, with its own rules but still able to talk to other towns.
She joined a small instance with only a few hundred users.
Each instance has its own rules and moderators.
UsageYou are on an instance, and you can move to another.
Similarserver
Note
- 7In a video game, a place that each player or group gets their own private copy of.
The raid takes place in an instance, so no one else can interrupt you.
Our group entered the instance together.
Similarcopy
Note
- 8A sign that shows or proves that something is true.
Note
- 9A request or strong urging, now used mostly in the formal phrase "at the instance of".
Like begging someone over and over until they say yes.
At the instance of his friends, he finally agreed to stay.
The meeting was called at the instance of the worried parents.
UsageOutside at the instance of, say request instead.
Note
- 10An urgent reason that pushes a person to act.
The instances that second marriage move Are base respects of thrift, but none of love.
c. 1599, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”Here, instances means reasons or motives that push someone to act.Note
- 11To make a private copy of a game area for each player or group.
- 12To draw many copies of the same shape at once to save computer power.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
It came from Latin "instantia," meaning urgency or earnestness, through Middle French "instance."
Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- English instance came from Latin instantia through Middle French instance. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin instantia could mean urgency or earnestness. en.wiktionary.org