instance Meaning & Definition
What Does Instance Mean?
Instance is a noun that means a step, stage, or situation viewed as part of a process or series of events. It is also used to mean the institution and prosecution of a lawsuit. As a verb, it means to illustrate or demonstrate by an instance.
Word Facts for Instance
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈin(t)-stən(t)s/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | case, exemplify and illustrate |
| Antonyms | disregard, forget and ignore |
| Plural | instances |
| Verb forms | instances, instancing, instanced |
Instance Definition (Noun)
- a step, stage, or situation viewed as part of a process or series of events
These delays are just another instance of inefficient bureaucracy. / prefers, in this instance, to remain anonymous
- the institution and prosecution of a lawsuit : suit
- an individual illustrative of a category or brought forward in support or disproof of a generalization
- exception
- token, sign
- instigation, request
am writing to you at the instance of my client
- urgent or earnest solicitation
- an impelling cause or motive
Instance as a Verb
- to illustrate or demonstrate by an instance
- to mention as a case or example : cite
Synonyms of Instance
Antonyms of Instance
Instance in a Sentence
It sends some precious instance of itself/ After the thing it loves. Hamlet IV. v. ca. 1602
These delays are just another instance of inefficient bureaucracy.
prefers, in this instance, to remain anonymous
am writing to you at the instance of my client
this is just one instance of his repeated failure to do what he promised
instanced one particular incident as an illustration of their penchant for practical jokes
instanced the latest astronomical research in her presentation on measuring star magnitude
instanced the hero's moral courage with several examples from the novel
These delays are just another instance of inefficient bureaucracy. / prefers, in this instance, to remain anonymous
Word Forms & Grammar
instance
instances
in·stanced
in·stanc·ing
instanced
instancing
for instance
instance (countable and uncountable, plural instances)
instance (third-person singular simple present instances, present participle instancing, simple past and past participle instanced)
Origin of Instance
Origin 1: Middle English instaunce, instance "insistence, urging, urgent entreaty, present time, case, example," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin instantia "fact of being present or impending, insistence, urgency" (Medieval Latin also "illustrative example, lawsuit, objection, exception"), noun derivative of instant-, instans "pressing, urgent" instant:2
Origin 2: derivative of instance:1
Origin 3: Borrowed from Middle French instance, from Latin īnstantia (“a being near, presence, also perseverance, earnestness, importunity, urgency”), from īnstāns (“urgent”); see instant.
First Known Use
14th century
1601
Pronouncing Instance
You say instance as /ˈin(t)-stən(t)s/. It has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (in(t)).
Instance: Your Questions Answered
Is instance a noun or a verb?
Instance is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for instance?
You can replace instance with words such as case, exemplify and illustrate. See the full list of instance synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of instance?
The opposite of instance can be expressed with words like disregard, forget, ignore and neglect.
What is the plural of instance?
The plural of instance is instances.
What is the past tense of instance?
The past tense of instance is instanced. The present participle is instancing.