French word

instance

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃stɑ̃s/

Meaning

  • feminine nouninstitution

Example

Cette instance décide des règles de sécurité.

This institution decides the safety rules.

Illustration for instance (institution)

More examples

Nous devons contacter l'instance compétente.

We need to contact the competent authority.

Core concept

An official decision-making body standing behind rules in a specialized field.

Common phrases

  • instance compétente

    competent authority

  • instance supérieure

    higher authority

Similar words

autorité: An official authority empowered to make decisions or give instructions.
administration: A government department responsible for carrying out administrative work.
organisme: An organization created to pursue a specific purpose.
institution: An official organization or system with an enduring social role.

Definition in French

Institution ou organe officiel représentant l'autorité compétente dans un domaine et chargé de rendre des décisions ou des avis.

Word origin

French instance developed from Latin instantia through the sense of a pressing claim or request to denote an authority that gives decisions or opinions.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English instance, French instance often means an official or judicial body, while a concrete example is usually un exemple.

Other meanings

  • authoritynoun

Word lists with this word