instant

UK: ˈɪnstənt | US: ˈɪnstənt

Definition

  1. adj. happening or done immediately

  2. adj. (of food) processed to allow quick preparation

  3. n. a precise moment in time

Structure
in <upon>stant <standing>in <upon>stant <standing>
Etymology

The word "instant" traces back to Latin instans (present participle of instare, "to stand upon or urge"), combining in- (upon) + stare (to stand). It originally conveyed urgency ("pressing upon") and evolved to emphasize immediacy in time ("happening at once"). The food sense emerged in the 20th century with processed convenience products.

Examples

  1. She demanded an instant response to her question.

  2. Instant coffee dissolves quickly in hot water.

  3. At that very instant, the lights went out.

  4. The app provides instant translations.

  5. His fame was almost instant after the video went viral.