Spanish word

instancia

Pronunciation

IPA/insˈtanθja/

Meaning

  • feminine nounapplication

Example

Entregué una instancia en la oficina.

I submitted an application at the office.

Illustration for instancia (application)

More examples

Rellené la instancia y la presenté en el ayuntamiento.

I filled out the application and submitted it to city hall.

Core concept

Official application document filed with a government office or court.

Common phrases

  • rellenar una instancia

    fill out an application

  • presentar una instancia

    submit an application

Similar words

solicitud: Request submitted to a public authority to obtain a service, procedure, or permit.
formulario: Preprinted form with fixed fields to fill out and submit for administrative procedures.
documento: Official written record that documents a legal or administrative matter.
petición: Written request asking for a specific action or favor, addressed to an authority.

Definition in Spanish

Es un escrito formal que se presenta ante una autoridad para solicitar algo; también aparece en locuciones jurídicas como 'en primera instancia' y en 'a instancia de'.

Word origin

Derived from Latin instantia (from instare 'to urge'), through medieval Latin instancia refers to an official request and in law can also denote a procedural instance such as primera instancia.

Usage tips

  • Instancia is a false friend of English 'instance', because in Spanish it usually means a formal request or petition rather than an example or case.

Other meanings

  • petitionnoun

Word lists with this word