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).
实用例句
1. The rally was organised at the instance of two senior cabinet ministers.
集会是应两位资深内阁大臣的要求组织的。
来自柯林斯例句
2. It is not a unique instance , but has its counterpart.
无独有偶.
来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
3. There are jobs more dangerous than truck driving; for instance, training lions.
有的工作比驾驶卡车更危险, 例如驯狮.
来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
4. This was the instance that occured first to my mind.
