instantly

American  

[in-stuhnt-lee] / ˈɪn stənt li /

adverb

1. immediately; at once.

   Synonyms:

   forthwith

2. urgently.

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conjunction

1. as soon as; directly.

   I recognized her instantly she entered the room.

instantly British  

/ ˈɪnstəntlɪ /

adverb

1. immediately; at once

2. archaic urgently or insistently

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Related Words

See immediately.

Etymology

Origin of instantly

Late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; instant, -ly

Explanation

Something happens instantly when there's no pause or delay at all before it occurs. If you fall asleep as soon as your head touches your pillow, you can say you drifted off instantly. If an event is immediate, it happens instantly. Your parents might say they fell in love instantly, the moment they first saw each other, and you may realize instantly on the first day of school that you are going to love your history class. The adverb instantly first meant "persistently," rather than "immediately," though it soon gained this meaning. The Medieval Latin root is instantem, "pressing, urgent," or "standing near."

Example Sentences

The 14 copies in London sold out instantly, after some fans got wind of the release and queued up in advance.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

But despite his overnight stardom, hopes were instantly dashed after the tattoo came to light.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

For millions, that familiar catchphrase instantly transports them back to Balamory, the beloved children's TV show in which residents solved everyday problems through friendship and fun in a brightly coloured fictional island community.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

With only six, carbenes are highly unstable and react almost instantly with their surroundings.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026

I instantly dived to the ground, hands over my head.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Related Words

• directly
• immediately
• instantaneously
• right away