Instantly: meaning, definitions and examples

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instantly

[ˈɪnstəntli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

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. You must leave immediately The meeting was called immediately after the incident
promptly	Usually used in professional or formal settings to indicate that something happened quickly after it was supposed to, without procrastination. She responded promptly to the email The doctor saw the patient promptly at the appointed time
straightaway	Commonly used in informal situations and in British English, it means to do something without any hesitation or delay. He left straightaway They started the project straightaway

Examples of usage

I need your help instantly.
The news spread instantly across the internet.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

acting or done without delay

occurring or done in an instant or instantly.

Synonyms

immediate, quick, swift.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
instantly	This is used when something happens at the very same moment without any delay. She answered the call instantly The medicine worked instantly
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. I need an immediate response They took immediate action to resolve the issue
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. He gave a quick glance at the document Let's grab a quick coffee before the meeting
swift	This is often used to describe actions that are both fast and smooth, and can imply efficiency. The swift river current carried the boat away Swift action is needed to prevent further damage

Examples of usage

an instantly recognizable face
an instantly successful product launch

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "instantly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 instantaneamente

🇮🇳 तुरंत

🇩🇪 sofort

🇮🇩 seketika

🇺🇦 миттєво

🇵🇱 natychmiast

🇯🇵 瞬時に

🇫🇷 instantanément

🇪🇸 instantáneamente

🇹🇷 hemen

🇰🇷 즉시

🇸🇦 على الفور

🇨🇿 okamžitě

🇸🇰 okamžite

🇨🇳 立即

🇸🇮 takoj

🇮🇸 strax

🇰🇿 дереу

🇬🇪 მალევე

🇦🇿 dərhal

🇲🇽 instantáneamente

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
...