instant
An instant is an extremely short period of time, often lasting only a second. It refers to a specific point in time or a very brief moment when something happens immediately.
Examples
3 of 5Wait just an instant, I need to grab my coat.
Wait just a moment, I need to grab my coat.
At that precise instant, the document was electronically timestamped.
At that exact moment, the document was electronically timestamped.
I'll be back in an instant, don't go anywhere!
I'll be back in a second, don't go anywhere!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Instant Noodles'—they are food you can eat in an 'instant' because they are ready so fast.
Quick Quiz
The car stopped in an ___ when the driver saw the red light.
Correct!
The correct answer is: instant
Examples
Wait just an instant, I need to grab my coat.
everydayWait just a moment, I need to grab my coat.
At that precise instant, the document was electronically timestamped.
formalAt that exact moment, the document was electronically timestamped.
I'll be back in an instant, don't go anywhere!
informalI'll be back in a second, don't go anywhere!
The data suggests the reaction occurs in a single instant.
academicThe data suggests the reaction occurs in a single moment.
The stock price changed the instant the merger was announced.
businessThe stock price changed the moment the merger was announced.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
in an instant
happening very rapidly
the instant that
as soon as
at this very instant
right now
Often Confused With
An 'instance' is an example or occurrence of something, while an 'instant' is a point in time.
Usage Notes
The noun 'instant' is frequently used in the prepositional phrase 'in an instant' to emphasize that something happens without delay. It is more emphatic and suggests a shorter duration than the word 'moment'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 'instant' with 'instance'; remember that 'instant' is about time, whereas 'instance' is about examples. Also, ensure the use of the article 'an' before 'instant'.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Instant Noodles'—they are food you can eat in an 'instant' because they are ready so fast.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin word 'instans', which means 'standing near' or 'present'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In modern Western culture, the term is heavily associated with 'instant gratification' and the speed of digital technology.
Quick Quiz
The car stopped in an ___ when the driver saw the red light.
Correct!
The correct answer is: instant
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Time is the measurement of minutes, hours, days, and years....
suddenA noun used almost exclusively in the fixed phrase 'all of a...
fastMoving or capable of moving at high speed. It can also descr...
quickThe sensitive skin under a fingernail or toenail. It can als...
immediateHappening or done right now without any delay. It also descr...
More Descriptions words
tiny
A1Describes something that is very small in size, amount, or degree. It is more emphatic than the word 'small' and is often used to highlight how little something is.
miniature
A1A very small copy or model of something that is usually much larger. It can also refer to a very small painting, especially a portrait.
tall
A1Describing something or someone that has a greater than average height. It is typically used for living things like people and trees, or narrow objects like buildings and towers.
low
A1Not high or tall in height, often positioned close to the ground or a base level. It can also describe a small amount of something, a quiet sound, or a sad mood.
wide
A1Describes something that has a large distance from one side to the other. It is used to talk about the breadth of physical objects like roads, doors, or rivers.
thick
A1Describes something that has a large distance between its two opposite sides or surfaces. It can also describe liquids that are dense and do not flow easily, or things that grow closely together like hair or forest trees.
thin
A1Describes something that has a small distance between its two opposite sides or surfaces. It can also describe a person or animal that has very little body fat.
deep
A1As a noun, 'the deep' refers to the ocean or a very large and deep body of water. It is also used to describe the most intense or central part of a period of time, such as the middle of the night or winter.
perfect
A1In grammar, the perfect refers to a verb form that shows an action is completed or finished. It is also used in the phrase 'practice makes perfect' to describe a state of having no mistakes.
terrible
A1Used to describe something that is very bad, of poor quality, or causes great unhappiness. It is a strong way to say that you dislike something or that a situation is very unpleasant.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free