I. ˈin(t)-stən(t)s noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. archaic : urgent or earnest solicitation
b. : instigation , request
am writing to you at the instance of my client
c. obsolete : an impelling cause or motive
2.
a. archaic : exception
b. : an individual illustrative of a category or brought forward in support or disproof of a generalization
c. obsolete : token , sign
3. : the institution and prosecution of a lawsuit : suit
4. : a step, stage, or situation viewed as part of a process or series of events
prefers, in this instance , to remain anonymous — Times Literary Supplement
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- for instance
Synonyms:
instance , case , illustration , example , sample , specimen mean something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category. instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain
an instance of history repeating itself
case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with
a case of mistaken identity
illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement
a telling illustration of Murphy's Law
example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case
a typical example of bureaucratic waste
sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities
show us a sample of your work
specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available
one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art
II. transitive verb
( in·stanced ; in·stanc·ing )
Date: 1601
1. : to illustrate or demonstrate by an instance
2. : to mention as a case or example : cite