instance

Everyday

1. An instance is one example or one case of something happening. tree →
2. «For instance» means «for example». tree →
3. (formal) «In the first instance» means at first, as the first step. tree →
4. (computing) An instance is one copy of a program or object that is running. tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons pupils give instances (examples) to support a point; teachers say «for instance». In maths, an instance of a pattern is one case of it. In formal writing: «in this instance» (in this case). Phrases: «for instance», «in this instance», «in the first instance», «an instance of».

Examples

• There are many animals that live in the desert, for instance camels. tree →
• This is one instance of kindness I will never forget. tree →
• In this instance, the teacher let us off. tree →
• Please contact the office in the first instance. tree →
• Give an instance of a time when you were brave. tree →
• Each instance of rudeness was written down. tree →
• For instance, look at my house! tree →

Note

Countable: instances. «For instance» = «for example» (comma before and after in a sentence). Do not confuse with «instants» (very short moments) — they sound almost the same.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Kalisch gives examples of letter-swapping codes that were used to find hidden meanings in God's name. In the primary lessons: In English lessons pupils give instances (examples) to support a point; teachers say «for instance». In maths, an instance of a pattern is one case of it. In formal writing: «in this instance» (in this case). Phrases: «for instance», «in this instance», «in the first instance», «an instance of».

Examples

• 7:1 Thus for instance, they imagined that the name of Jehovah, יהוי, is by reversing the alphabet; מצפץ (mzpz); mem signifies the letter jod, zaddi, the letter he, and pe, the letter wav. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• 41) Our author means to say that the water has a great disposition to unite itself with the caloric, thus for instance is the fire latent in steam, but the air equipoises them. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →

Note

Countable: instances. «For instance» = «for example» (comma before and after in a sentence). Do not confuse with «instants» (very short moments) — they sound almost the same.