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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.
💡 Concept

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)
🧠 Mnemonic

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.
🎵 Rhyme

The team made an instant decision after the problem became evident and confidently repaired the machine.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈɪnstənt/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈɪnstənt/

🌳Etymology

Prefixin--
Rootstant

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

distant
constant
assistant

🔗Collocations

instant message
instant noodles
instant success
in an instant
instant replay
instant gratification

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My mom became an instant celebrity when she accidentally photobombed a news broadcast.”

“The instant I saw the math test, I regretted not studying.”

😄 Fun example

“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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