instantly

American  

[in-stuhnt-lee] / ˈɪn stənt li /

adverb

1. immediately; at once.

   Synonyms:

   forthwith

2. urgently.

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conjunction

1. as soon as; directly.

   I recognized her instantly she entered the room.

instantly British  

/ ˈɪnstəntlɪ /

adverb

1. immediately; at once

2. archaic urgently or insistently

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Related Words

See immediately.

Etymology

Origin of instantly

Late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at instant, -ly

Explanation

Something happens instantly when there's no pause or delay at all before it occurs. If you fall asleep as soon as your head touches your pillow, you can say you drifted off instantly. If an event is immediate, it happens instantly. Your parents might say they fell in love instantly, the moment they first saw each other, and you may realize instantly on the first day of school that you are going to love your history class. The adverb instantly first meant "persistently," rather than "immediately," though it soon gained this meaning. The Medieval Latin root is instantem, "pressing, urgent," or "standing near."

Example Sentences

She knew instantly that it would provide the “sanctuary” she was seeking.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

“With this partnership, we are instantly activating a global footprint that makes the magic of Peloton accessible to Spotify Premium subscribers anywhere,” Peloton CCO Dion Camp Sanders said in the press release.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

It is one of the planet’s top-selling toy brands, and the toy’s singular pixelated appearance is instantly recognizable on any screen.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

Once calm, she played a showpiece for him, then transposed the key instantly when he requested.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

She stepped out, planted her feet on the grass, and felt instantly at home.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• directly
• immediately
• instantaneously
• right away