I. in ‧ stance 1 S3 W2 AC /ˈɪnstəns/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ instance , ↑ instant ; adverb : ↑ instantly , ↑ instantaneously ; adjective : ↑ instant , ↑ instantaneous ]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: French ; Origin: Latin instantia 'presence, urgency' , from instans ; ⇨ ↑ instant 1 ]
1 . for instance for example:
We need to rethink the way we consume energy. Take, for instance, our approach to transport.
2 . [countable] an example of a particular kind of situation
instance of
They came across many instances of discrimination.
instance where/when
instances where safety regulations have been breached
In this instance I think she was mistaken.
3 . in the first instance at the beginning of a series of actions:
Anyone wishing to join the society should apply in the first instance to the secretary.
4 . at sb’s instance formal because of someone’s wish or request
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THESAURUS
▪ example something that you mention because it is typical of the kind of thing that you are talking about:
The hall is a perfect example of medieval architecture.
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There are many ways in which technology has changed our lives. The car is an obvious example.
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This painting is a typical example of Picasso’s work in his Blue Period.
▪ case an example of something that happens, especially something bad:
There have been some cases of women employees being fired because they are pregnant.
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In one case a man was charged $2,000 for a simple medical check-up.
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Recent government spending on schools is a classic case of too little, too late.
▪ instance an example of a particular kind of situation or event, especially something bad. Instance is more formal than case :
Some users of Ecstasy have actually died, but such instances are very rare.
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The report describes instances of discrimination.
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In a few rare instances, the disease can cause death.
▪ illustration something, especially a story or situation, that you use as an example:
As an illustration of this, consider the following example.
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He mentioned the recent events in the Middle East by way of illustration (=as an example) .
II. instance 2 AC BrE AmE verb [transitive] formal
to give something as an example:
She instanced the first chapter as proof of his skill in constructing scenes.