instant

[ in-stuhnt ]

noun

1. an infinitesimal or very short space of time; a moment:

   They arrived not an instant too soon.

   Synonyms: trice, jiffy, flash, twinkling, second

2. the point of time now present or present with reference to some action or event.
3. a particular moment:

   at the instant of contact.

4. a food or beverage, especially coffee, specially processed for quick preparation.
5. Older Use. the present or current month.

adjective

1. succeeding without any interval of time; prompt; immediate:

   instant relief from a headache.

2. pressing or urgent:

   instant need.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. designed to act or produce results quickly or immediately:

   an instant lottery.

6. Older Use. of the present month: : inst. Compare proximo, ultimo.

   your letter of the 12th instant.

7. present; current:

   the instant case before the court.

adverb

1. instantly.

instant

/ ˈɪnstənt /

noun

1. a very brief time; moment
2. a particular moment or point in time

   at the same instant

3. on the instant
   immediately; without delay

adjective

1. immediate; instantaneous
2. (esp of foods) prepared or designed for preparation with very little time and effort

   instant coffee

3. urgent or imperative
4. 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

1. a poetic word for instantly

Word History and Origins

Origin of instant¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of instant¹

C15: from Latin instāns, from instāre to be present, press closely, from in- ² + stāre to stand

Synonym Study

See minute ¹.

Example Sentences

It's a word used to describe people who only develop a sexual attraction to others after forming a deep bond based on their personality, rather than feeling an instant connection.

From BBC

By winning Group B4, Wales not only secured an instant return to the top tier of the Nations League, but also all but guaranteed at least a play-off for the World Cup.

From BBC

His teddy boy appearance was an instant hit with women.

From BBC

He has a line in the middle of the play that reads, “In an instant, all will vanish and we’ll be alone once more in the midst of nothingness.”

From Los Angeles Times

Local government saw it as a opportunity to recreate the instant fame that the town of Zibo enjoyed last year because of its barbecues.

From BBC