What does instatement mean?
Instatement means the formal act of placing a person in an office or position of authority. It is often used when a governor, judge, president, or other official assumes a role through an appointment, ceremony, or other formal process. The word emphasizes the official and ceremonial character of the event rather than merely the person's beginning work. Although installation can have the same meaning in this context, it is broader because it also describes setting up software, machinery, or fixtures. Instatement is therefore especially appropriate in governmental, legal, and historical writing. It is comparatively uncommon in everyday conversation, where people are more likely to say that someone was appointed, inaugurated, installed, or sworn in, depending on the circumstances.
nounThe act of formally installing someone in an office or position. It especially refers to placing a person in an official role through a formal appointment or ceremony.
- The act or process of formally installing someone in an office, position, or authority.
"The ceremony marked the official instatement of the newly elected governor."
"The governor's instatement was followed by an address to the legislature."
"The appointment became official with the judge's instatement in the new role."
The plural is rarely needed because the word normally appears in singular contexts describing a single formal installation.
"The two instatements were marked by separate ceremonies."
A president is inaugurated, a governor is installed, and either may be formally instated.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does instatement come from?
English instatement was formed from install with the noun-forming suffix -ment. The verb install came through French installer from Medieval Latin installare, a word associated with placing someone into a position or installing something in a fixed place.
Related word forms
How instatement is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon term, found chiefly in political, governmental, legal, and ceremonial writing. In general usage, installation or appointment is more natural.
Easily confused with instatement
Installation can mean the act of placing someone in an office, but it also commonly refers to installing software, equipment, or fixtures.