instance
n. countablen. a specific example of something happening. You use this when you want to talk about one particular time or case out of many.
n. a particular case or occurrence of something. Often used in academic contexts to introduce evidence or specific examples of a general phenomenon.
This is a clear instance of poor communication.
The manager cited several instances where the software failed to save data correctly during peak hours.
While the policy change was intended to be universal, there were several instances where local administrators exercised their own discretion based on regional needs.
Borrowed from Middle French instance, from Latin īnstantia (“a being near, presence, also perseverance, earnestness, importunity, urgency”), from īnstāns (“urgent”); see instant.
Commonly used in the phrase 'for instance' as a synonym for 'for example'.
in this instance ofin this instanceLearners often add 'of' when 'instance' is used as a fixed phrase meaning 'in this case'.