“Example” vs. “Instance”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “example” and “instance”

  • The key difference between an example and an instance is that an example is used to illustrate or explain a general idea or principle, while an instance is a specific occurrence of that idea or principle.
  • Another difference is that examples are often chosen to be typical or representative of a larger group, while instances are often chosen to highlight a particular aspect or feature of that group.
  • An example can be hypothetical or real, while an instance is usually a past occurrence that happened in real life.
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What is the definition of “example” and “instance”?

Example
  • An example is a specific case, object, or situation that can be used to illustrate or explain a general idea or principle.
  • It is typically used to provide clarification or assist in understanding a concept or idea and can be found in many different contexts, including literature, science, and mathematics.
  • An example can be used to support an argument, demonstrate a technique, or highlight a particular feature or characteristic.
Instance
  • An instance is a particular occurrence of something, often used in reference to a specific object, event, or process.
  • It can be thought of as a single occurrence within a larger group or category and may be used to highlight a specific aspect or feature of that group.
  • Instances can be found in many different fields, from computer programming to law, and are often used to provide specific examples or evidence to support an argument or idea.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Example” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Example
5,500,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. For example, I always put my keys in the same place so I don't lose them.
  2. You should follow her example and start saving money for emergencies.
  3. The teacher gave us an example to help us understand the math problem.
Instance
1,280,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. In this instance, it's important to contact your doctor for medical advice.
  2. For instance, I prefer to drink coffee in the morning instead of tea.
  3. The police officer cited an instance where someone got arrested for drunk driving.
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