Instantly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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instantly
[ˈɪnstəntli ]
Definitions
right away
without any delay; immediately.
Synonyms
immediately, promptly, straightaway.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| instantly |
This is a duplicate entry and can be ignored. |
| immediately |
Ideal for formal situations and when emphasizing urgency, often used to describe actions that follow directly after a preceding event.
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| promptly |
Usually used in professional or formal settings to indicate that something happened quickly after it was supposed to, without procrastination.
|
| straightaway |
Commonly used in informal situations and in British English, it means to do something without any hesitation or delay.
|
Examples of usage
- I need your help instantly.
- The news spread instantly across the internet.
acting or done without delay
occurring or done in an instant or instantly.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| instantly |
This is used when something happens at the very same moment without any delay.
|
| immediate |
This term is used for actions or reactions that occur without any substantial delay, often implying urgency. It can also refer to something that happens next in order.
|
| quick |
This word is used for actions done in a short amount of time. It's more flexible and can refer to both physical speed and the amount of time taken.
|
| swift |
This is often used to describe actions that are both fast and smooth, and can imply efficiency.
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Examples of usage
- an instantly recognizable face
- an instantly successful product launch
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, processes can occur instantly when they reach a state of equilibrium, such as when gases expand.
- In computing, the term refers to actions that happen as fast as the user's input, like responding to clicks.
- In psychology, instant decisions are made in milliseconds and can be influenced by cognitive biases.
Cultural References
- Instant noodles became popular in the 1950s, signaling a cultural shift towards convenience food.
- In advertising, the concept of instant gratification is often leveraged to appeal to consumers.
- Music and video streaming services promote instant access to entertainment, changing how culture is consumed.
Technology
- With the rise of the internet, instant messaging changed how we communicate, making real-time conversation feasible.
- Smartphone apps give people instant notifications, shaping how individuals stay informed throughout the day.
- Virtual assistants provide instant answers to questions, demonstrating advancements in AI and accessibility.
Psychology
- Studies show humans often prefer instant rewards over delayed gratification, which can influence decision-making.
- Behavioral economics explores how instant benefits can drive consumer behavior and spending.
- Instant reactions to stimuli serve as a survival mechanism, allowing quick responses to danger.
Origin of 'instantly'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Latin word 'instantaneus', meaning 'occurring at once'.
- The word began to be used in English during the 15th century, reflecting a concept of immediacy.
- It was often used in contexts related to urgency and time-sensitive matters.
The word 'instantly' originated from the Latin word 'instantaneus', which means 'done in an instant'. The term has been used in English since the late 15th century to describe actions or events that happen without delay or hesitation.
See also: instantaneous.
Word Frequency Rank
At #5,286 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
- ...
- 5283 labeled
- 5284 nest
- 5285 despair
- 5286 instantly
- 5287 curved
- 5288 whatsoever
- 5289 containers
- ...