ENGLISH
REFERENCE

instantly

adv. · conj.
US //ˈɪnstəntɫi// UK //ˈɪnstəntli// in·stant·ly
  1. 1 immediately (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    happening right away, without any delay.

    at once; without any intervening time or delay.

    Example

    When I saw the beautiful view, I instantly felt much more relaxed.

    Example

    The software is designed to update your profile instantly across all connected devices the moment a change is saved.
  2. 2 as soon as (conj.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    used to say that one thing happens at the same time as another.

    functioning as a subordinating conjunction meaning 'as soon as' or 'the moment that'.

    Example

    Instantly he saw her, he knew he had made a mistake.

    Example

    Instantly the signal was given, the soldiers moved forward with a precision that suggested weeks of intensive training.

    Usage

    In this sense, 'instantly' acts as a conjunction to join two clauses.
Origin

From instant + -ly.

Word family

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