# instantly

/ˈɪnstəntɫi/ (US) · /ˈɪnstəntli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/instantly
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. immediately

adverb · CEFR B1

happening right away, without any delay.

For teachers: at once; without any intervening time or delay.

- When I saw the beautiful view, I instantly felt much more relaxed.
- The software is designed to update your profile instantly across all connected devices the moment a change is saved.

### 2. as soon as

conjunction · CEFR C1 · Literary

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

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

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

## Examples

- The computer turns on instantly when I press the button.
- The video went viral and she became famous almost instantly after posting it online.
- The medication is designed to dissolve on the tongue so that it enters the bloodstream and provides relief instantly rather than waiting for digestion.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.