instantly

[ in-stuhnt-lee ]

adverb

1. immediately; at once.

   Synonyms: forthwith

2. urgently.

conjunction

1. as soon as; directly:

   I recognized her instantly she entered the room.

instantly

/ ˈɪnstəntlɪ /

adverb

1. immediately; at once
2. archaic.
   urgently or insistently

Word History and Origins

Origin of instantly¹

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

Synonym Study

See immediately.

Example Sentences

The actors bonded instantly and had “an almost telepathy by the end of the shoot,” Zetumer said.

From Los Angeles Times

Stafford, however, instantly recounted the statistical picture going into it, the personnel and coverages former Patriots coach Bill Belichick successfully deployed to neutralize Hall of Fame receiver Calvin Johnson, and key injuries that occurred.

From Los Angeles Times

Many — who have had several close calls with wildfire before — knew instantly that this could spell disaster.

From Los Angeles Times

And one thing I instantly I realised is that it's not just about taking the real-life documentary footage and making it Lego.

From BBC

Falling masonry instantly killed three firemen in Cheapside Street and 11 firemen and fire salvage men who were tackling the flames at the rear of the building in Warroch Street.

From BBC

Related Words

• directly
• immediately
• instantaneously
• right away