instant
/ˈɪnstənt/ adjective A2- Impending; imminent.
- Urgent; pressing; acute.
- Insistent; persistent. · January 2, 1827, Thomas Carlyle, letter to Mrs. Carlyle, Scotsbrig I am beginning to be very instant for some sort of occupation.
- Present; current; extant.
- Occurring immediately; immediate; present.
- Lasting for a short moment; momentary; short-lived.
- Very quickly and easily prepared. · instant coffee; instant noodles; instant mashed potato; instant photo
- Of the current month. · I refer to your letter of the 16th instant in regard to traffic disruption.
From the library
For an instant I could have sworn that the faintest shadow of a smile flickered over the woman’s lips.
At the same instant his ear caught a sort of indistinct sound on the stairs, followed by the measured tread of soldiery, with the clanking of swords and military accoutrements; then came a hum and buzz as of many voices, so as to deaden even the noisy mirth of the bridal party, among whom a vague feeling of curiosity and apprehension quelled every disposition to talk, and almost instantaneously the most deathlike stillness prevailed.
This shows that he was not attacked the instant that he entered the room.
I should say that you were the happiest man alive at this instant.”
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