WordGarden.ioinstance
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɪnstəns/
US
- /ˈɪnstəns/
Meanings
Noun
a particular example, case, or occurrence of something
an individual software object or running copy of a program or service
a stage or level in a legal proceeding
Beyond the definition
Think of an "instance" as one specific example of something larger. If you're learning about different types of birds, each bird you see is one instance of that type. It is a single case or one happening. A software developer might talk about an instance of an error, meaning one specific time that error appeared. You can also use it to mean "in that case" or "in that situation." For example: "In that instance, I decided to help."
The word "instance" refers to a particular example of something—a single occurrence within a larger set or category. It's about pinpointing one specific case out of many possibilities.
Imagine you're baking cookies. The recipe is the general idea, but each individual cookie that comes out of the oven is an instance of that recipe. Each time your phone receives a notification, that is one instance of the system doing what it does.
In computer science, "instance" has a specific meaning: it refers to a single object created from a class. If you have a blueprint for a car (the class), each actual car built from that blueprint is an instance of that class. This means each car shares the main features defined in the blueprint but can still have its own details.
Beyond technology, "instance" can also mean "a particular situation" or "a specific case." For example: "In that instance, I realized I'd left my keys at home." It points to one clear moment or circumstance. So, whether you're talking about cookies, notifications, computer code, or a particular situation, an "instance" is a single, concrete example of something more general.
Examples
- 1
Language change
The teacher gave one instance of a word changing meaning over time.
- 2
Repeated incidents
There have been several instances of people losing their tickets at the gate.
- 3
Specific situation
In this instance, the manager decided to make an exception.
- PhraseIn this instance
in this particular situation
- 4
Rule failure
The rule works most of the time, but there are instances where it fails.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Example phrase
Some foods are high in vitamin C; oranges, for instance, are easy to find.
- Phrasefor instance
for example
- 6
Software
If the app freezes, close every open instance and start it again.
- Domainan instance of an app
one running copy of the app
- 7
First step
In the first instance, contact customer support before sending the product back.
- Phrasein the first instance
as the first thing to do
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- for instance
- an instance of
- in this instance
- single instance
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- instancenounverb
Forms
- instancespluralnounverb
- instancedpast tenseverbnoun
- instancing-ing formverbnoun