instant — happening immediately, without delay
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: happening immediately, without delay
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɪnstənt/
Example Sentences
- My mom became an instant celebrity when she accidentally photobombed a news broadcast.
- The instant I saw the math test, I regretted not studying.
- He had instant regret after sending that text to his ex-girlfriend.
instant
ADJECTIVE[/ˈɪnstənt/]
happening immediately, without delay

She felt relief the instant the hot ramen hit her tongue.

The alarm caused an instant reaction, and everyone stopped talking at once. (INSTANT = happening immediately)

The team made an instant decision after the problem became evident and confidently repaired the machine.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'instantia' meaning 'presence' or 'urgency', derived from 'instans' (present participle of 'instare', meaning 'to stand upon' or 'to press upon'). The word entered English through Old French and came to mean 'a point in time' or 'occurring immediately'.
Breakdown
in- (upon) + stare (to stand) + -ant (suffix forming adjectives) = instant (standing upon/pressing/immediate)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom became an instant celebrity when she accidentally photobombed a news broadcast.”
“The instant I saw the math test, I regretted not studying.”
“He had instant regret after sending that text to his ex-girlfriend.”
“The teacher's instant reaction told us we were in trouble.”
📚Related Words
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