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instant

adj. · n. · adv.
US //ˈɪnstənt// UK //ˈɪnstənt// in·stant
  1. 1 immediate (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    happening or done immediately, without any delay.

    occurring or performed at once; characterized by a lack of any intervening time.

    Example

    The new song was an instant success and played on every radio station.

    Example

    The CEO's resignation met with an instant reaction from the stock market, causing prices to fluctuate wildly within minutes of the announcement.
  2. 2 quick to prepare (adj.)
    A2 Elementary Cooking

    describing food or drink that you can make very quickly, usually by adding hot water.

    denoting a food or beverage product designed for rapid preparation, typically through the addition of a liquid.

    Example

    He didn't have time for a real meal, so he just made some instant noodles.

    Example

    While instant coffee is convenient for office environments, many enthusiasts argue that it lacks the complex flavor profile of freshly ground beans.
    • pre cooked
    • ready made
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  1. 3 of the current month (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Archaic Law

    a formal way to talk about the current month.

    pertaining to the current month; used primarily in formal or legal correspondence to refer to the month of the date on the letter.

    Example

    Thank you for your letter of the 10th instant regarding our contract.

    Example

    The defendant's counsel submitted a revised motion on the 14th instant, superseding the previous documentation provided to the court.

    Usage

    Usually follows the day of the month (e.g., 'the 5th instant').
    • ultimo
    • proximo
  2. 4 a moment (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a very short period of time.

    an infinitesimal or very brief period of time; a precise point in time.

    Example

    For an instant, she forgot where she was when she woke up.

    Example

    The lightning flash illuminated the valley for a brief instant before the landscape was plunged back into total darkness.
  3. 5 immediately (adv.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    right away or at once.

    at once; immediately. Used primarily in poetic or highly literary contexts.

    Example

    The shadows vanished instant the sun rose over the hill.

    Example

    The messenger departed instant the king had finished speaking, desperate to reach the border before nightfall.
Etymology 1

From Middle English instant (“infinitely short period of time”), from Old French instant (“assiduous, at hand”, adjective), 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.

Etymology 2

From French instant and Middle English instant, both from Old French, from Latin instans (“standing by, being near, present, also urgent, importunate”), present participle of instō (“to stand upon, press upon, urge, pursue, insist”), from in (“on, upon”) + stō (“to stand”); see state.

Etymology 3

Ultimately from Latin īnstāre; its precise evolution is uncertain. OED hints at (unattested) Middle French *instanter.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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