instance

instance [in′stəns]

n.

[ME instaunce < OFr instance < L instantia, a standing upon or near, being present < instans: see INSTANT]

1. Archaic an urgent plea; persistent solicitation

2. an example; case; illustration

3. a step in proceeding; occasion or case [in the first instance]

4. Obs. a motive; cause

5. Obs. a token or sign

6. a detail or circumstance

7. Law a process or proceeding in a court; suit

vt.

instanced, instancing

1. to show by means of an instance; exemplify

2. to use as an example; cite

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at the instance of

at the suggestion or instigation of

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for instance

as an example; by way of illustration

SYN.- INSTANCE refers to a person, thing, or event that is adduced to prove or support a general statement [here is an instance of his sincerity ]; CASE¹ is applied to any happening or condition that demonstrates the general existence or occurrence of something [a case of mistaken identity ]; EXAMPLE is applied to something that is cited as typical of the members of its group [his novel is an example of romantic literature ]; ILLUSTRATION is used of an instance or example that helps to explain or clarify something [this sentence is an illustration of the use of a word ]