Instance Meaning and Definition

Instance

Instance

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈstəns/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A single occurrence or realization of something, such as an event, process, or phenomenon.

Examples

  • The instance of a bug in the software was fixed quickly.
  • The artist captured the instance of a sunflower in bloom.

Synonyms

  • Occurrence
  • Event
  • Happening

Antonyms

  • Non-event
  • Absence

Etymology

The word “instance” comes from the Old French word “instance”, meaning “petition” or “request”, which is derived from the Latin word “instantia”, meaning “urgency” or ” importance”.

Usage Notes

Instance is often used in technical and scientific contexts to describe a specific occurrence or realization of a phenomenon.

Cultural References

Instances of the word can be seen in various forms of media, such as literature, film, and music.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Instance of: used to describe a specific occurrence or realization of something.

Related Words or Phrases

  • Occurrence
  • Event
  • Happening
  • Casualty

Collocations

  • Instance of
  • Bug in an instance
  • Single instance of

Frequency of Use

Instance is a relatively common word in modern language, often used in technical and scientific contexts.

Common Misspellings

  • Incident
  • Insident
  • Instence

Related Words