Definition

Noun: 1. The act or process of representing an abstract idea, concept, or class by a concrete example or specific instance. It refers to the creation of a real, specific object based on a general model, blueprint, or template. 2. (In computing and object-oriented programming) The creation of a specific object from a class. Each object created is an "instance" or "instantiation" of that class.

Usage

The word "instantiation" is used to describe the act of making something abstract into something concrete and specific. * It is a formal term common in academic, philosophical, and technical contexts. * It often follows a preposition like "of" (e.g., "an instantiation of a principle").

Examples

• General Use:
  • The short story is a perfect instantiation of the author's theory on human nature.
  • Each ritual performed is an instantiation of the community's ancient beliefs.
• Technical/Computing Use:
  • The program creates a new instantiation of the Player class for each user who joins the game.
  • "How many instantiations of the process were found running on the server?"

Advanced Usage

• "Multiple instantiations": Refers to several distinct, concrete examples or objects created from the same abstract source.
  • The artist explored multiple instantiations of the same geometric form in her sculptures.
• "Dynamic instantiation" (Computing): The creation of objects at runtime, as opposed to when the program is compiled.
  • The software uses dynamic instantiation to load modules only when they are needed.

Variants and Related Words

• Instantiate (verb): To represent (an abstraction) by a concrete instance; to create an instance of.
  • The architect instantiated her vision in the form of a stunning glass building.
  • The function instantiates a new object.
• Instance (noun): A concrete example or single occurrence of something.
  • This case is a clear instance of corporate negligence.

Synonyms

• Embodiment: A tangible or visible form of an idea, quality, or feeling.
• Manifestation: An event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something abstract.
• Exemplification: Serving as a typical example of something.
• Concretization: The process of making something concrete, specific, or definite.

Antonyms

• Abstraction: The quality of dealing with ideas rather than events or objects; something that exists only as an idea.
• Generalization: A general statement or concept obtained by inference from specific cases.

Noun

1. a representation of an idea in the form of an instance of it
   • how many instantiations were found?