instance: Meaning and Definition of

in•stance

Pronunciation: (in'stuns), [key]
— n., v., -stanced, -stanc•ing.
—n.
  1. a case or occurrence of anything: fresh instances of oppression.
  2. an example put forth in proof or illustration: to cite a few instances.
  3. the institution and prosecution of a case.
  4. urgency in speech or action.
  5. an impelling motive.
  6. at the urging or suggestion of: He applied for the assistantship at the instance of his professor.
  7. as an example; for example: If you were to go to Italy, for instance, you would get a different perspective on our culture.
—v.t.
  1. to cite as an instance or example.
  2. to exemplify by an instance.
—v.i.
  1. to cite an instance.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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