INSTANT Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

instant

[ in-stuhnt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

an infinitesimal or very short space of time; a moment:
They arrived not an instant too soon.
Synonyms: , , , ,
the point of time now present or present with reference to some action or event.
a particular moment:
at the instant of contact.
a food or beverage, especially coffee, specially processed for quick preparation.
Older Use. the present or current month.

adjective

succeeding without any interval of time; prompt; immediate:
instant relief from a headache.
pressing or urgent:
instant need.
noting a food or beverage requiring a minimal amount of time and effort to prepare, as by heating or the addition of milk or water, before being served or used:
instant coffee; instant pudding.
occurring, done, or prepared with a minimal amount of time and effort; produced rapidly and with little preparation:
an instant book; instant answers; instant history.
designed to act or produce results quickly or immediately:
an instant lottery.
Older Use. of the present month: : inst. Compare proximo, ultimo.
your letter of the 12th instant.
present; current:
the instant case before the court.

adverb

instantly.

instant

/ ˈɪ�Բ��ə�Գ� /

noun

a very brief time; moment
a particular moment or point in time
at the same instant
on the instant
immediately; without delay

adjective

immediate; instantaneous
(esp of foods) prepared or designed for preparation with very little time and effort
instant coffee
urgent or imperative
postpositive when abbreviated in formal correspondence
1. of the present month inst Compare proximo ultimo
  a letter of the 7th instant
2. currently under consideration

adverb

a poetic word for instantly

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of instant¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin instant- (stem of ��Բ��Բ� ), present participle of ��Բ�� “to be present, urgent,” equivalent to in- in- ² + -��- stand + -nt- present participle suffix

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of instant¹

C15: from Latin ��Բ��Բ�, from ��Բ�� to be present, press closely, from in- ² + �� to stand

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Synonym Study

See minute ¹.

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Example Sentences

Lutnick’s observation gained instant meme status on social media, along with his woolly assertions about government spending not having anything to do with inflation, and enhanced his stature as the Trump Cabinet’s outstanding horse’s patootie.

From

Falling victim to financial fraud can be extremely devastating because it undoes years of your hard work and savings in an instant.

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The instant success of the Yankees opened eyes.

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In the meantime, Jasso and her colleagues doled out hot instant soup, fresh fruit and backpacks through the slots in the fence.

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At the same time, less essential items were suddenly available in markets, such as instant noodles and chocolate, which Israel once blocked from Gaza for years along with honey, instant coffee and pomegranates.

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