instant

in-stant · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Happening immediately; without delay.

  2. 2.

    A very short period of time; a moment.

  3. 3.

    (of food) Prepared quickly and easily.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in an instant — Very quickly; immediately.
  • •
    this instant — Right now; immediately.
  • •
    instant messaging — Real-time text communication.

Related words

Antonyms: delayed, gradual, slow
See also: immediate, instantly, moment
Synonyms: immediate, instantaneous, prompt

Etymology

From Latin instans ("present, pressing"), present participle of instare ("to be present, stand upon"), from in- ("upon") + stare ("to stand").