instância

An "instância" is a Portuguese word that translates to "instance" in English. It refers to a specific occurrence or manifestation of something. In various contexts, the meaning of "instância" can be nuanced.

In programming and computer science, an instance typically refers to an object created from a class. A class acts as a blueprint, and an instance is a concrete realization of that blueprint, possessing its own unique state and behaviors. For example, if "Car" is a class, then "my_red_car" could be an instance of that class, with properties like color set to red.

In a more general sense, "instância" can denote a particular case or example of a concept or situation. For instance, one might refer to a specific instance of a problem that needs to be addressed. The word can also be used to describe a specific level or tier within a hierarchical system, such as administrative or judicial instances.

Furthermore, "instância" can be employed in abstract discussions to represent a singular, identifiable entity. It emphasizes the individuality and distinctness of a particular element within a larger set or framework. The precise connotation of "instância" is often determined by the surrounding discourse and the subject matter being discussed.