instance

名词 instance:

1. an occurrence of something
   同义词：case, example
2. an item of information that is representative of a type
   同义词：example, illustration, representative

动词 instance:

1. clarify by giving an example of
   同义词：exemplify, illustrate

1. There's not a solitary instance (ie not even one) of this having happened before.
   这样的事以前一次也没有发生过。
2. The proposal was accepted at the instance of the majority.
   这一建议经大多数的请求得到采纳。
3. He came at our instance.
   他应我们的请求而来。
4. This is only one instance out of many.
   这不过是许多例子中的一个。

in.stance

n.（名词）

An example that is cited to prove or invalidate a contention or illustrate a point.See Synonyms at example
例证：被引用于证明或驳斥某种论点或证明某种观点的例子参见 example
A case or an occurrence:
事例或事件：
例句：
In all such instances, let conscience be your guide.
在这些事情中，让良知为你指引道路

Law A legal proceeding or process; a suit.
【法律】 诉讼：法律程序或手续；起诉
A step in a process or series of events:
程序，步骤：某一过程或一连事情件中的一个阶段或步骤：
例句：
You should apply in the first instance to the personnel manager.
首先，你应向人事经理申请

A suggestion or request:
建议或要求：
例句：
called at the instance of his attorney.
在他的律师的要求下传讯

Archaic Urgent solicitation.
【古语】 紧急的请求
Obsolete An impelling motive.
【废语】 驱使的动机
v.tr.（及物动词）
in.stanced,in.stanc.ing,in.stanc.es
To offer as an example; cite.
引证；举例
To demonstrate or show by an example; exemplify.
例示：用例子来说明或证明；例证

<习惯用语>for instance
As an example; for example.
作为例子；例如
来源：
Middle English instaunce
中古英语 instaunce
from Old French instance [request, instant]
源自 古法语 instance [请求，即刻的]
and from Medieval Latin onstantia [example]
并源自 中世纪拉丁语 onstantia [例子]
both from Latin [presence]
都源自 拉丁语 [出席，在场]
from onst3ns onstant- [present] * see instant
源自 onst3ns onstant- [现在的] *参见 instant