Pronunciation

/ˈɪnstənt/

Definitions

• Noun: A very short period of time; an instant moment. For example: “The accident happened in the blink of an instant.”
• Adjective: Occurring or acting without any delay; immediate. For example: “Instant coffee dissolves quickly in hot water.”
• Noun (informal): A single serving or packet of a product that can be prepared immediately, such as instant noodles or soup. For example: “I just need to boil some water for the instant ramen.”

Phrases

• “In an instant”: This phrase means something happens very quickly or suddenly. For example: “The room filled with laughter in an instant.”
• “At your instant command”: Meaning something is ready or available to be used immediately upon request. For example: “With this smart device, all your favorite songs are at your instant command.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The camera captured the exact instant the lightning struck the tree.”
• Adjective: “She had an instant dislike for the new neighbor.”
• Noun (informal): “After a long day, he opted for an easy dinner of instant mashed potatoes.”

Synonyms

• Moment
• Minute
• Second
• Immediate
• Instantaneous
• Swift
• Prompt
• On-the-spot (for the adjective sense)
• Ready-made (for the informal noun sense)