instantly
English meaning: Instantly
Definition
At once; without delay.
Example
“When the neighbours' dog barked, ours instantly replied with a howl.”
Another example: “The new logo is instantly recognizable around the world.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A common adverb meaning at once, without delay. Neutral register; often emphasises a very fast reaction ('instantly recognizable', 'died instantly'). Slightly more emphatic than 'immediately'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From 'instant' plus '-ly', from Latin 'instans' (present, pressing), from 'instare' (to be at hand); 16th century.
Synonyms
- forthwith
- immediately
- instantaneously
- at once
- straightaway
- directly
- outright
- right away
- in a flash
- in real time
Antonyms / Opposites
- gradually
- eventually
- slowly
- later
Related Words
Common Collocations
- instantly recognizable
- react instantly
- instantly regret
- killed instantly
- instantly available
- fall in love instantly
Word Forms
instant (adj/n); instantly (adv); instantaneous (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B