instance
instance Lexical Profile
instance Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An example or single occurrence of something.
"The report highlighted several instances of exceptional customer service across the company."
A particular stage, step, or situation in a series of events or legal proceedings.
"In the first instance, applicants should submit their inquiries directly to the admissions office."
In object-oriented programming, a specific realization or concrete occurrence of any object, class, or virtual machine.
"The developer launched a new database instance to test the updated software architecture."
An urgent request, solicitation, or instigation (used chiefly in the phrase 'at the instance of').
"The committee launched a formal review at the instance of several senior faculty members."
• verb
To cite or mention (a fact, case, or person) as an example or proof.
"The historian instanced several treaties from the nineteenth century to support her thesis."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 14th century from Old French 'instance', from Latin 'instantia' (meaning 'presence, urgency, or perseverance'), derived from the verb 'instare' ('to stand upon or press hard').