instantaneous

American  

[in-stuhn-tey-nee-uhs] / ˌɪn stənˈteɪ ni əs /

adjective

1. occurring, done, or completed in an instant.

   an instantaneous response.

   Synonyms:

   abrupt, sudden, immediate

2. existing at or pertaining to a particular instant.

   the instantaneous position of the rocket.

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instantaneous British  

/ ˌɪnstənˈteɪnɪəs, ɪnˌstæntəˈniːɪtɪ /

adjective

1. occurring with almost no delay; immediate

2. happening or completed within a moment

   instantaneous death

3. maths

   1. occurring at or associated with a particular instant

   2. equal to the limit of the average value of a given variable as the time interval over which the variable is considered approaches zero

      instantaneous velocity

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Other Word Forms

• instantaneity
  noun
• instantaneousness
  noun
• instantaneously
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of instantaneous

From the Medieval Latin word instantāneus, dating back to 1645–55. See instant, -an, -eous

Explanation

Something instantaneous is happening right now, without delay. In today's society, the technology we carry in our pockets means people often expect an instantaneous or immediate response to emails and text messages. Instantaneous comes from the Latin instant- meaning "being at hand." When something is instantaneous, it's right at hand when you need it. You can produce an instantaneous reply to someone or see an instantaneous change happen. If something happens very suddenly, you can describe it as instantaneous.

Example Sentences

But it is also humbling to rebuild from scratch, without the instantaneous feedback of that retweet and like counter whirring and purring, and it takes real commitment to the craft.

From Slate • Jul. 6, 2023

Now, imagine that they’re streaming it live, potentially to tens of thousands of people, all of whom could be providing instantaneous feedback.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2019

The automated system could provide nearly instantaneous feedback; and when abuse reports arrived within 5–10 minutes of an offence, the reform rate climbed to 92%.

From Nature • Mar. 29, 2016

That’s much how the tiny vibrations work, giving instantaneous feedback about the user’s verbal cues and miscues.

From Washington Times • Mar. 14, 2015

It is inherently difficult to feel progress, a sense of achievement without instantaneous feedback that all was well.

From Terminal Compromise: computer terrorism: when privacy and freedom are the victims: a novel by Schwartau, Winn

Related Words

• rapid
• spontaneous
• transitory