You use for instance to introduce a particular event, situation, or person that is an example of what you are talking about.
There are a number of improvements; for instance, both mouse buttons can now be used.
Straining to lift heavy weights for instance can lead to a rise in blood pressurewhilst the activity continues.
2. countable noun
An instance is a particular example or occurrence of something.
She cited an instance where their training had been a marvelous help in dealing withproblems.
...an investigation into a serious instance of corruption. [+ of]
Synonyms: example, case, occurrence, occasion More Synonyms of instance
3.
See in the first instance
4.
See at sb's instance
More Synonyms of instance
instance in British English
(ˈɪnstəns)
noun
1.
a case or particular example
2. for instance
3.
a specified stage in proceedings; step (in the phrases in the first, second, etc, instance)
4.
urgent request or demand (esp in the phrase at the instance of)
5. logic
a.
an expression derived from another by instantiation
b. substitution (sense 4b)
6. archaic
motive or reason
verb(transitive)
7.
to cite as an example
Word origin
C14 (in the sense: case, example): from Medieval Latin instantia example, (in the sense: urgency) from Latin: a being close upon, presence, from instāns pressing upon, urgent; see instant
instance in American English
(ˈɪnstəns)
noun
1. Archaic
an urgent plea; persistent solicitation
2.
an example; case; illustration
3.
a step in proceeding; occasion or case
in the first instance
4. Obsolete
a motive; cause
5. Obsolete
a token or sign
6.
a detail or circumstance
7. Law
a process or proceeding in a court; suit
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈinstanced or ˈinstancing
8.
to show by means of an instance; exemplify
9.
to use as an example; cite
Idioms:
at the instance of
for instance
SYNONYMY NOTE: instance refers to a person, thing, or event that is adduced to prove or support a generalstatement [here is an instance of his sincerity]; case1 is applied to any happening or condition that demonstrates the general existenceor occurrence of something [a case of mistaken identity]; example is applied to something that is cited as typical of the members of its group [his novel is an example of romantic literature]; illustration is used of an instance or example that helps to explain or clarify something [this sentence is an illustration of the use of a word]
Word origin
ME instaunce < OFr instance < L instantia, a standing upon or near, being present < instans: see instant
Examples of 'instance' in a sentence
instance
Indeed one of that dynasty provided a rare instance of a dealer refusing to offload a masterpiece.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Any punishment should be relatable to the particular instance of misbehaviour.
The Sun (2017)
We aim to be in touch in the next two weeks and will try to contact you by phone in the first instance.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
In one instance a 100-year-old woman was pulled from rubble.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There have been a number of disturbing instances recently of such leniency but at the moment they are not offences that can be referred.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
For instance, the use of first person limits the book to the point of view of the narrator.
Smithsonian Mag (2017)
In one instance, she pocketed 17,000 from the machine.
The Sun (2016)
It's a rare instance of the double standards around women and appearance benefiting us, not them.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
All the cards will be sent to London in the first instance, and will be sorted and classified there.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
There are rare instances of secret and entirely human selfishness.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
That was indeed one instance of drawing from life.
Tracy Chevalier Burning Bright (2007)
In this instance a second person can help by asking questions.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
In these particular instances it should be up to the courts to decide guilt or innocence.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
This is actually the best practice for the first instance of weakness.
Geoffrey A. Moore LIVING ON THE FAULT LINE, REVISED EDITION (2002)
In some rare instances people can become so depressed that they become seriously ill through jealousy.
Mansfield, Patricia Why Am I Afraid to be Assertive? (1994)
Just another crazy instance of judges putting our little ones last.
The Sun (2014)
Is there anyone that can think all this through with your son in the first instance?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Clearly that is not the case in this instance.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
This is one of the rare instances of a genuine conflict between the demands of science and the demands of humanity.
Dyson, Freeman Infinite in All Directions (1989)
Take the names used, for instance.
Christianity Today (2000)
Yet the number of instances is now rising in Germany.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Critics of Belgian policy contend that the right to enter is abridged in a number of instances.
Bramwell, Anna C Refugees in the Age of Total War (1988)
For instance, no use is being made of the kitchen.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In this instance, the person was trying to meet mortgage payments and avoid their home being repossessed.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
I cited three instances, meaning them as a formula for many more.
The Times Literary Supplement (2014)
In other languages
instance
British English: instance /ˈɪnstəns/ NOUN
An instance is a particular example or occurrence of something.
...another instance of robbery.
American English: instance
Arabic: حَالَةٌ
Brazilian Portuguese: exemplo
Chinese: 实例
Croatian: slučaj
Czech: případ
Danish: tilfælde
Dutch: geval
European Spanish: ejemplo
Finnish: esimerkki
French: exemple
German: Fall
Greek: περίπτωση
Italian: esempio
Japanese: 事例
Korean: 예
Norwegian: eksempel
Polish: przykład
European Portuguese: exemplo
Romanian: exemplu
Russian: случай
Latin American Spanish: ejemplo
Swedish: exempel
Thai: ตัวอย่าง
Turkish: örnek
Ukrainian: випадок
Vietnamese: ví dụ
All related terms of 'instance'
for instance
for or as an example
at sb's instance
If you do something at someone's instance , you do it because they have ordered or requested you to do it.
substitution instance
an expression so derived from another
at the instance of
at the suggestion or instigation of
in the first instance
You say in the first instance to mention something that is the first step in a series of actions .
court of first instance
a court in which legal proceedings are begun or first heard
Chinese translation of 'instance'
instance
(ˈɪnstəns)
n(c)
(= example) 例子 (lìzi) (个(個), gè)
for instance例如 (lìrú)
in many instances很多情况(況)下 (hěn duō qíngkuàng xià)
in the first instance首先 (shǒuxiān)
1 (noun)
Definition
a case or particular example
a serious instance of corruption
Synonyms
example
examples of sexism and racism in society
case
Some cases of arthritis respond to a gluten-free diet.
occurrence
the greatest occurrence of heart disease in the over-65s
occasion
I often think fondly of an occasion some years ago.
sample
We're giving away 2000 free samples.
illustration
These figures are an illustration of the country's dynamism.
precedent
The trial could set an important precedent for similar cases.
case in point
exemplification
2 (noun)
Definition
to mention as an example
The meeting was organized at the instance of two senior ministers.
Synonyms
insistence
She had attended an interview at his insistence.
demand
urging
pressure
stress
application
His application for membership was rejected.
request
They agreed to his request for help.
prompting
The refugees need no prompting to describe what happened to them.
impulse
behest
incitement
an incitement to rioting
instigation
The talks are taking place at the instigation of Germany.
solicitation
entreaty
They have resisted all entreaties to pledge their support for the campaign.
importunity
(verb)
She could have instanced many women who fitted this description.
Synonyms
name
The Scots have yet to name their team.
mention
She did not mention her mother's absence.
identify
I tried to identify her perfume.
point out
advance
Many theories have been advanced as to why this is.
quote
Most newspapers quote the warning.
finger (informal, mainly US)
refer to
point to
cite
She cites a favourite poem by Pablo Neruda.
specify
He has not specified what action he would like them to take.
invoke
He invoked memories of previous disasters to argue against postponement.
allude to
She sometimes alluded to a feeling that she was to blame.
adduce
The evidence she adduced was authoritative.
namecheck
namedrop
phrase
See for instance
idiom
See in the first instance
Additional synonyms
in the sense of adduce
Definition
to mention something as evidence
The evidence she adduced was authoritative.
Synonyms
mention,
offer,
name,
present,
advance,
quote,
allege,
cite,
designate
in the sense of advance
Definition
to present an idea for consideration
Many theories have been advanced as to why this is.
Synonyms
suggest,
offer,
present,
propose,
allege,
cite,
advocate,
submit,
prescribe,
put forward,
proffer,
adduce,
offer as a suggestion
in the sense of allude to
She sometimes alluded to a feeling that she was to blame.