How to pronounce instance
Say it like IN-stuns. Instance has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN).
- IN
- stuns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Instance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- INSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- stunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of instance
American and British speakers say instance in essentially the same way: /ˈɪnstəns/ in the US and /ˈɪnstəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: IN-stuns.
What does instance mean?
- An occasion; an order of occurrence.
- A case offered as an exemplification or a precedent; an illustrative example.
- One of a series of recurring occasions, cases, essentially the same.
- To mention as a case or example; to refer to.
- To cite an example as proof; to exemplify.
- To duplicate (a dungeon or other area) for each player, or each party of players, that enters it, so that each player or party has a private copy of the area, isolated from other players.
Where does instance come from?
Borrowed from Middle French instance, from Latin īnstantia (“a being near, presence, also perseverance, earnestness, importunity, urgency”), from īnstāns (“urgent”); see instant.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying instance
How do you pronounce instance?
Say IN-stuns. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪnstəns/. In British English it is /ˈɪnstəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in instance?
Instance has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN). Broken into parts: IN · stuns.
Do Americans and Brits say instance the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɪnstəns/ and the British form is /ˈɪnstəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.