instantiate

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitivecomputing

   To create a particular, working example (an instance) of a general class, template or type in a program.

   Grammar: Takes an object: instantiate a class.

   Patterns

   • instantiate something
   • instantiate something with something

   The constructor lets you instantiate a new user object whenever someone signs up.

   You cannot instantiate an abstract class directly.

   The framework will instantiate each plugin when the application starts.

2. 2verbtransitiveformal

   To show or embody an abstract idea, rule or quality by giving a concrete example of it.

   Grammar: Takes an object: a case instantiates a principle.

   Patterns

   • something instantiates something

   Her career instantiates the idea that persistence beats talent.

   The experiment instantiates the theory in a form we can actually measure.

   Each law in the code instantiates a broader principle of fairness.

Word forms

Common combinations

instantiate a class

Before calling the method, instantiate the class with a valid name.

instantiate an object

The program will instantiate an object for every row in the table.

instantiate a template

The compiler can instantiate a template for any numeric type.

fail to instantiate

The service failed to instantiate because a setting was missing.

instantiate a principle

The ruling instantiates a principle that courts have long defended.

Synonyms and how they differ

create

Create is a general word for making anything, while instantiate specifically means making an instance from a class or pattern.

exemplify

Exemplify is the everyday choice for illustrating an idea with a case, whereas instantiate sounds more philosophical and exact.

embody

Embody suggests giving a quality visible form, often in a person, while instantiate points to one concrete case of a general type.

initialize

Initialize sets starting values for something that already exists, whereas instantiate brings the object into existence.

Opposites

Word family

instantiation noun

the act of creating an instance, or the instance itself

instance noun

one particular example or occurrence of a class or type

instantiable adjective

able to be instantiated

uninstantiated adjective

not yet turned into a concrete instance

Commonly confused: instantiate or install?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “instantiate”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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