instance Meaning, Definition & Usage

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
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
verb clarify by giving an example of
exemplify; illustrate.

F. instance, L. instantia, fr. instans. See Instant.

The act or quality of being instant or pressing; urgency; solicitation; application; suggestion; motion.
Undertook at her instance to restore them. Sir W. Scott.
That which is instant or urgent; motive. Obs.
The instances that second marriage move Are base respects of thrift, but none of love. Shak.
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.
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.
A token; a sign; a symptom or indication. Shak. Syn. -- Example; case. See Example.

imperfect & past participle Instanced ; present participle & verbal noun Instancing

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.

To give an example. Obs.
This story doth not only instance in kingdoms, but in families too. Jer. Taylor.