名詞 instance:

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

動詞 instance:

1. clarify by giving an example of
   同義詞：exemplify, illustrate

1. There's not a solitary instance (ie not even one) of this having happened before.
   這樣的事以前一次也沒有發(fā)生過。
2. The proposal was accepted at the instance of the majority.
   這一建議經大多數(shù)的請求得到采納。
3. He came at our instance.
   他應我們的請求而來。
4. This is only one instance out of many.
   這不過是許多例子中的一個。

in.stance

n.（名詞）

An example that is cited to prove or invalidate a contention or illustrate a point.See Synonyms at example
例證：被引用于證明或駁斥某種論點或證明某種觀點的例子參見 example
A case or an occurrence:
事例或事件：
例句：
In all such instances, let conscience be your guide.
在這些事情中，讓良知為你指引道路

Law A legal proceeding or process; a suit.
【法律】 訴訟：法律程序或手續(xù)；起訴
A step in a process or series of events:
程序，步驟：某一過程或一連事情件中的一個階段或步驟：
例句：
You should apply in the first instance to the personnel manager.
首先，你應向人事經理申請

A suggestion or request:
建議或要求：
例句：
called at the instance of his attorney.
在他的律師的要求下傳訊

Archaic Urgent solicitation.
【古語】 緊急的請求
Obsolete An impelling motive.
【廢語】 驅使的動機
v.tr.（及物動詞）
in.stanced,in.stanc.ing,in.stanc.es
To offer as an example; cite.
引證；舉例
To demonstrate or show by an example; exemplify.
例示：用例子來說明或證明；例證

<習慣用語>for instance
As an example; for example.
作為例子；例如
來源：
Middle English instaunce
中古英語 instaunce
from Old French instance [request, instant]
源自 古法語 instance [請求，即刻的]
and from Medieval Latin onstantia [example]
并源自 中世紀拉丁語 onstantia [例子]
both from Latin [presence]
都源自 拉丁語 [出席，在場]
from onst3ns onstant- [present] * see instant
源自 onst3ns onstant- [現(xiàn)在的] *參見 instant