At instance of
a case or occurrence of anything:
fresh instances of oppression.
an example put forth in proof or illustration:
to cite a few instances.
Law. the institution and prosecution of a case.
Archaic. urgency in speech or action.
Obsolete. an impelling motive.
to cite as an instance or example.
to exemplify by an instance.
to cite an instance.
at the instance of, at the urging or suggestion of:
He applied for the assistantship at the instance of his professor.
for instance, as an example; for example:
If you were to go to Italy, for instance, you would get a different perspective on our culture.
noun
a case or particular example
for instance, for or as an example
a specified stage in proceedings; step (in the phrases in the first, second, etc, instance)
urgent request or demand (esp in the phrase at the instance of)
(logic)
an expression derived from another by instantiation
See substitution (sense 4b)
(archaic) motive or reason
verb (transitive)
to cite as an example
n.
mid-14c., “urgency,” from Old French instance “eagerness, anxiety, solicitation” (13c.), from Latin instantia “presence, effort intention; earnestness, urgency,” literally “a standing near,” from instans (see instant). In Scholastic logic, “a fact or example” (early 15c.), from Medieval Latin instantia, used to translate Greek enstasis. This led to use in phrase for instance “as an example” (1650s), and the noun phrase To give (someone) a for instance (1953, American English).
see under for example
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an intervening period of time: an interval of 50 years. a period of temporary cessation; pause: intervals between the volleys of gunfire. a space between things, points, limits, etc.; interspace: an interval of ten feet between posts. Mathematics. the totality of points on a line between two designated points or endpoints that may or may […]
- At issue
the act of sending out or putting forth; promulgation; distribution: the issue of food and blankets to flood victims. something that is printed or published and distributed, especially a given number of a periodical: Have you seen the latest issue of the magazine? something that is sent out or put forth in any form. a […]
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the sharp tip of a knife. at knifepoint, under threat of being cut or stabbed with a knife: He was robbed at knifepoint. Contemporary Examples Polly Klaas, the 12-year-old who was snatched out of her own home at knifepoint back in 1993? Why Child Killers Love Small Towns Marcia Clark May 25, 2009 Historical Examples […]
- At it
Vigorously pursuing an activity, especially a fight, but also sex or some other activity. For example, Whenever they play bridge they really go at it (fight), or The new job keeps Tom at it day and night (works hard), or In the spring the dogs are always at it (sex). Shakespeare used this seemingly modern […]
- At large
of more than average size, quantity, degree, etc.; exceeding that which is common to a kind or class; big; great: a large house; a large number; in large measure; to a large extent. on a great scale: a large producer of kitchen equipment. of great scope or range; extensive; broad. grand or pompous: a man […]