Instance: meaning, definitions and examples

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instance

[ ˈɪnstəns ]

^{Context #1}

in computing

An individual object, person, or event considered as a single, complete unit of software or data, typically encapsulating state and behavior.

Synonyms

case, example, occurrence

Examples of usage

Each instance of the class has its own copy of the instance variables.
The program can create multiple instances of the object.

^{Context #2}

in a general sense

An example or single occurrence of something.

Synonyms

case, example, illustration

Examples of usage

She gave an instance of his rudeness.
His success is a rare instance of natural talent.

^{Context #3}

formal

To cite as an example or in support of an argument.

Synonyms

cite, mention, refer

Examples of usage

I can instantly instance several similar cases.

Translations

Translations of the word "instance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 instância

🇮🇳 उदाहरण

🇩🇪 Instanz

🇮🇩 contoh

🇺🇦 приклад

🇵🇱 przykład

🇯🇵 例 (れい)

🇫🇷 exemple

🇪🇸 instancia

🇹🇷 örnek

🇰🇷 예

🇸🇦 مثال

🇨🇿 příklad

🇸🇰 príklad

🇨🇳 例子 (lìzi)

🇸🇮 primer

🇮🇸 dæmi

🇰🇿 мысал

🇬🇪 მაგალითი

🇦🇿 nümunə

🇲🇽 instancia

Word origin

The word 'instance' originated from the Latin word 'instantia', meaning presence or urgency. It was first used in the English language in the 14th century. Over time, its usage expanded to refer to a specific example or case. In computing, 'instance' gained popularity as a term to describe a unique occurrence of an object or data. Today, 'instance' is widely used in various fields to denote a singular occurrence or example.