instant

Ready to use very quickly, or happening immediately.

• I made some instant coffee.
• The app gives you instant access to your photos.
• Her first book was an instant success.

Common phrases: instant coffee, instant noodles, instant success

A very short period of time.

• Wait just an instant.
• Her smile disappeared in an instant.
• For a brief instant, the room was completely silent.

How to use it: in an instant (The lights went out in an instant.); for an instant (For an instant, I forgot her name.)

Similar words: moment, second

Common phrases: in an instant, for an instant, a brief instant

A particular point in time.

• At that instant, the lights went out.
• She knew the instant he entered the room.
• Can you remember the exact instant you heard the news?

How to use it: the instant + clause (The instant she saw me, she smiled.)

Similar words: moment

Common phrases: that instant, the instant after, at that instant

Happening straight away, without any delay.

• The medicine brought instant relief.
• His video was an instant success.
• Do members get instant access to the files?

Similar words: immediate

Opposites: delayed

Common phrases: instant relief, instant success, instant access

Ready to use very quickly, usually after adding hot water.

• I made some instant coffee.
• We ate instant noodles after work.
• Have you tried this instant soup?

Common phrases: instant coffee, instant noodles, instant soup