instance
Word family
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++in·stance1 /ˈɪnstəns/ ●●○ W2 AWL noun 1 for instance EXAMPLEfor example 例如 We need to rethink the way we consume energy. Take, for instance, our approach to transport. 我们需要重新考虑我们使用能源的方式，例如我们的运输方式。2 [countable]EXAMPLE an example of a particular kind of situation 〔特定情况的〕例子，实例instance of They came across many instances of discrimination. 他们遇到很多歧视的事例。instance where/when instances where safety regulations have been breached 违反安全规章的例子 In this instance I think she was mistaken. 在这一点上我认为她弄错了。► see thesaurus at example3 in the first instance BEGINNINGat the beginning of a series of actions 〔一连串行动的〕第一步，首先 Anyone wishing to join the society should apply in the first instance to the secretary. 任何人想加入协会都得先向干事提出申请。4. at somebody’s instance formalASK FOR something/ASK somebody TO DO something because of someone’s wish or request 应某人的愿望[请求]Examples from the Corpus
instance• Another instance of Charles's outspokenness was his attack on his sister's choice of husband.• These three cases are instances of a civilization working over its own heritage something rarely brought fully to light.• But here Golding offers the extremest instance of how it might be tragic too.• The rise from 7,000 to 8,000, for instance, equaled a gain of 14. 3 percent.• Scholars have found, for instance, surprising links between Taylor and a number of literary figures.• Fiscal policy, for instance, is commendably tight; there are no signs of any government-led dash for growth.• Elizabeth had said so and she had been, as she was in so many instances, quietly right.• It outlined a set of principles and indicated how they would work in particular instances.• Rather than any theory of civilizations, therefore, we must study real instances if we wish to understand what civilization is.• The grey suit has been replaced in some instances with pink trousers and sandals.• Some users of Ecstasy have actually died, but such instances are very rare.In this instance• In this instance , I have decided there is not enough evidence to bring the case to court.• After all, virtually no funding would be needed in this instance.• In this instance that meant three emergency pumps.• In this instance the fieldwork was conducted during the first period of Margaret Thatcher's administration.• In this instance, the sodium chloride is entirely excluded from the intracellular compartment.• It matters not that in this instance the Government has used the carrot rather than the stick.• The answer must lie ultimately in the perceptions of those making the decisions, in this instance the court.• Treatment in this instance is likely to require the bathing of the region with a safe insecticide.• What does it mean in this instance?instance2 AWL verb [transitive] formal EXAMPLEto give something as an example 以…为例 She instanced the first chapter as proof of his skill in constructing scenes. 她以第一章为例阐述他构思情节的技巧。→ See Verb tableExamples from the Corpus
instance• The connections and friendships of Surrealism can also be instanced as opportunities for advocacy.• Minton's sober and workmanlike drawings instance his delight in registering rhythmic activity and industrial shapes.Origin instance (1300-1400) French Latin instantia “presence, urgency”, from instans; → INSTANT1in·stance1 nouninstance2 verbChineseSyllable
for Corpus example
instance
in‧stance1 S3 W2 AC /ˈɪnstəns/ 
noun
We need to rethink the way we consume energy. Take, for instance, our approach to transport.
2. [countable] an example of a particular kind of situation
instance of
They came across many instances of discrimination.
instance where/when
instances where safety regulations have been breached
In this instance I think she was mistaken.
3. in the first instance at the beginning of a series of actions:
Anyone wishing to join the society should apply in the first instance to the secretary.
4. at sb’s instance formal because of someone’s wish or request
▪ example something that you mention because it is typical of the kind of thing that you are talking about: The hall is a perfect example of medieval architecture. | There are many ways in which technology has changed our lives. The car is an obvious example. | This painting is a typical example of Picasso’s work in his Blue Period.
▪case an example of something that happens, especially something bad: There have been some cases of women employees being fired because they are pregnant. | In one case a man was charged $2,000 for a simple medical check-up. | Recent government spending on schools is a classic case of too little, too late.
▪instance an example of a particular kind of situation or event, especially something bad. Instance is more formal than case: Some users of Ecstasy have actually died, but such instances are very rare. | The report describes instances of discrimination. | In a few rare instances, the disease can cause death.
▪illustration something, especially a story or situation, that you use as an example: As an illustration of this, consider the following example. | He mentioned the recent events in the Middle East by way of illustration (=as an example).
instance2 AC verb [transitive] formal
to give something as an example:
She instanced the first chapter as proof of his skill in constructing scenes.
| I |
noun Word Family: noun: instance, instant; adverb: instantly, instantaneously; adjective: instant, instantaneous
Date: 1300-1400
Language: French
Origin: Latin instantia 'presence, urgency', from instans; ⇨ instant1
1. for instance for example:Language: French
Origin: Latin instantia 'presence, urgency', from instans; ⇨ instant1
2. [countable] an example of a particular kind of situation
instance of
instance where/when
3. in the first instance at the beginning of a series of actions:
4. at sb’s instance formal because of someone’s wish or request
| THESAURUS |
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| II |
verb [transitive] formalto give something as an example:
example something such as an object, a fact or a situation that shows, explains or supports what you say; a thing that is typical of or represents a particular group or set 指实例、例证、典型、范例、样品 ：◆ Can you give me an example of what you mean? 你能给我举个实例来解释你的意思吗？ case a particular situation or a situation of a particular type; a situation that relates to a particular person or thing 指具体情况、事例、实例、特定情况 ：◆ In some cases people have had to wait several weeks for an appointment. 在某些情况下，人们必须等上好几周才能得到约见。 instance ( a particular situation or a situation of a particular typerather
指例子、事例、实例 ：◆ The report highlights a number of instances of injustice. 这篇报道重点列举了一些不公正的实例。 specimen an example of sth, especially an animal or plant 尤指动植物的样品、实例 ：◆ The aquarium has some interesting specimens of unusual tropical fish. 水族馆里有一些罕见的热带鱼，很有趣。 illustration ( a story, an event or an example that clearly shows the truth about sthrather
指说明事实的故事、实例、示例 ：◆ The statistics are a clear illustration of the point I am trying to make. 这些统计数字清楚地阐明了我要陈述的要点。
example or illustration? 用 example 还是 illustration？
An illustration is often used to show that sth is true. Anexample is used to help to explain sth.* illustration 常用以表示事物的真实性，example 用以解释说明。
Patterns
a(n) example/case/instance/specimen/illustration of sthin a particular case/instancefor example/instance
Giving examples 举例
◆ The website has a variety of interactive exercises ( e.g. matching games, crosswords and quizzes).这个网站有各种各样的互动练习（比如：配对游戏、纵横填字游戏和智力测试）。 ◆ The website has a variety of interactive exercises, including matching games, crosswords and quizzes.这个网站有各种各样的互动练习，包括配对游戏、纵横填字游戏和智力测试。 ◆ Web 2.0 technologies, such as wikis, blogs and social networking sites, have changed the way that people use the Internet.* Web 2.0 技术，比如维基、博客及社交网站，改变了人们使用互联网的方式。 ◆ Many websites now allow users to contribute information. A good example of this is the 'wiki', a type of website that anyone can edit.现在许多网站都允许用户撰写信息。维基就是一个很好的例子，它是一种任何人都可以编辑的网站。 ◆ Wikis vary in how open they are. For example , some wikis allow anybody to edit content, while others only allow registered users to do this.各维基网的开放程度不同。比如，有些维基网允许任何人编辑内容，另一些则只允许注册用户进行内容编辑。 ◆ Wikis vary in how open they are. Some wikis, for example /for instance , allow anybody to edit content, while others only allow registered users to do this.各维基网的开放程度不同。比如，有些维基网允许任何人编辑内容，另一些则只允许注册用户进行内容编辑。 ◆ More and more people read their news on the Internet. To take one example, over 14 million people now read the online version of 'The Oxford Herald'.越来越多的人在网上阅读新闻。举个例子来说，现在有超过 1 400 万人阅读《牛津先驱报》的网络版。 ◆ Online newspapers are now more popular than paper ones. 'The Oxford Herald' is a case in point . Its print circulation has fallen in recent years, while its website attracts millions of users every month.现在，网络报纸比纸质报纸更受欢迎。《牛津先驱报》就是一个很好的例子。近年来，其印刷版发行量趋于减少，但其网站每个月却吸引上千万的用户。