Instant

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈɪnstÉ™nt/

Alternative forms

• instaunt obsolete

From Middle English instant ("infinitely short period of time"), from Old French instant ("assiduous, at hand", adj.), from Latin instans, instant- ("present, pressing, urgent", literally standing near), from in + stāre ("to stand"). Compare Old English instede ("immediately, on the spot, at once"). More at in, stand.

Full definition of instant

Noun

1. A very short period of time; a moment.
• She paused for only an instant, which was just enough time for John to change the subject.
2. A single, usually precise, point in time.
• The instant the alarm went off, he fled the building.
3. An instant beverage or food, especially instant coffee.
4. The current month (abbreviated as: inst.)
• In response to your letter of the twenty-first instant...

From Old French and French instant, from Latin instans ("standing by, being near, present, also urgent, importunate"), present participle of instare ("to stand upon, press upon, urge, pursue, insist"), from in ("on, upon") + stare ("to stand"); see state.

Adjective

1. (dated) Impending; imminent.
• PriorImpending death is thine, and instant doom.
2. (dated) Urgent; pressing; acute.
• Bible, Rom. xii. 12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
• CarlyleI am beginning to be very instant for some sort of occupation.
3. Occurring immediately; immediate; present.
• FullerThe instant time is always the fittest time.
• 1905, w, w:The Case of Miss Elliott Chapter 2, No one, however, would have anything to do with him, as Mr. Keeson's orders in those respects were very strict ; he had often threatened any one of his employés with instant dismissal if he found him in company with one of these touts.
4. Lasting for a short moment; momentary; short-lived.
5. Very quickly and easily prepared.instant coffee
6. Of the current month (abbreviation inst.).
• “I refer to your letter of the 16th inst. in regard to traffic disruption”

Derived terms

• instantize, instantise
• instantly
• instant replay

Related terms

• instakill
• instance

Adverb

1. (poetic) At once; immediately.
• 1819, Lord Byron, Don Juan, I.182:He left the room for his relinquished sword,
  And Julia instant to the closet flew.

Related terms

• inst
• instance
• instancy
• instantaneous
• instantaneously
• instanter
• instantial
• instantiate
• instantly