Words / C1

inst-uh-n-TAYN-ee-uh-s/ˌɪnstənˈteɪniəs/

Instantaneous means happening immediately, with no delay: an instantaneous response, instantaneous ignition. Instant (already in the dictionary) is everyday; immediate (already in the dictionary) is a cousin. A foyer cheer does not lift an embargo.

Meaning

Happening immediately, with no delay.

Examples

• “An instantaneous foyer cheer does not lift the embargo.”
• “Immediate is already in this course. Instant is already in this course and milder. A cheer is branding. Midnight is a clock. Wait for the lift; then cheer.”

Good to know

Immediate; with no delay. Everyday: instant (already in the dictionary). A cheer ≠ a lifted embargo.

Near in meaning

immediate, instant, split-second

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