instant

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A very short moment of time.

   For an instant, I thought I saw someone at the window.

2. 2
   adj

   Happening or produced immediately, with no delay.

   The movie was an instant success.

3. 3
   adj

   Quick and easy to prepare, usually by adding water.

   I made a cup of instant coffee.

From Middle English instant (“infinitely short period of time”), from Old French instant (“assiduous, at hand”, adjective), from Latin īnstāns, īnstantis (“present, pressing, urgent”, literally “standing near”), present active participle of īnstō (“to stand upon, be nearby”), from in- (“after”) + stō (“to stand”). Compare Old English instede (“immediately, on the spot, at once”). More at in, stand.

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