instant
Meaning
-
- A very short period of time; a moment.
- A single, usually precise, point in time.
- A beverage or food which has been pre-processed to reduce preparation time, especially instant coffee.
- Ellipsis of instant camera.
Synonyms
short while
insistent
one moment
at once
direct-acting
for a moment
a moment
at that moment
little while
very short time
time span
date of reference
Frequency
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈɪnstənt/
Etymology
From Middle English instant (“infinitely short period of time”), from Old French instant (“assiduous, at hand”, adj), from Latin īnstāns, īnstantis (“present, pressing, urgent”, literally “standing near”), present active participle of īnstō (“to stand upon, be nearby”), from in- (“after”) + stō (“to stand”). Compare Old English instede (“immediately, on the spot, at once”). More at in, stand.
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