instantaneous
in-stuhn-TAY-nee-uhs
/ˌɪnstənˈteɪniəs/
Occurring or done in an instant or instantly.
The absolute limit of speed; implies no measurable time passed between cause and effect.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'instans', meaning 'standing near' or 'pressing upon'. The idea is that something so close in time is 'instant'. The suffix '-aneous' was added to make it a more formal adjective.
Word relationships
- immediate: Immediate is more common; instantaneous is more precise and technical.
- delayed: Delayed implies a gap in time, whereas instantaneous has none.
Commonly confused with
- simultaneous: Simultaneous means two things happen at the same time; instantaneous means one thing happens in a split second.
Word family
- instantly (adverb): At once.
- instant (noun): A very short time.
Collocations
- instantaneous reaction
- instantaneous feedback
- instantaneous success
Example sentences
- "The internet allows for almost instantaneous communication across the globe." Technology.
- "The reaction was instantaneous, occurring the moment the two chemicals touched." Physics.
Memory hook
Think of an 'Instant'—it's over before you can blink. Instantaneous = In an instant.
When not to use
Don't use it for things that take a few seconds; use 'rapid' or 'quick' instead.
Fun facts
- In the 17th century, 'instant' was used to refer to the current month in business letters.
Explore more words
momentary, in the blink of an eye, simultaneous, impromptu, impulsive, fleeting
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