Words / B1

INST-uh-nt/ˈɪnstənt/

Instant means happening immediately: instant demand; instant access. Immediately is the adverb twin; immediate is the adjective cousin. Instant food is made very quickly (instant coffee). Mix-up: instance (an example). Night buses: instant demand.

Meaning

Happening immediately; also (of food) made very quickly (instant coffee).

Examples

• “There was instant demand for the extra night bus.”
• “Instant coffee is allowed in the kitchen, which is the food sense.”

Good to know

instant demand / access / reply. Food: instant coffee. Cousin: immediate. Mix-up: instance. Transport / student kitchens.

Near in meaning

immediate

New