instant
gb/ˈɪnstənt/ us/ˈɪnstənt/
A2
English
~ 2800
pillanat, azonnali, instant
NOUN
B1
1
pillanat
A2
Usage pattern:
in an instant
The car disappeared in an instant.
Az autó egy pillanat alatt eltűnt.
At that instant, the lights went out.
Abban a pillanatban kialudtak a fények.
She knew in an instant that something was wrong.
Learner examples
He left in an instant.
Egy pillanat alatt elment.
The phone rang at that instant.
Abban a pillanatban megszólalt a telefon.
I knew in an instant it was you.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'instant' with 'moment' without recognizing that 'instant' often suggests suddenness or immediacy.
Meaning
A very brief moment
Collocations
in an instant
|at that instant
|every instant
Synonyms
moment (A general term for a short period of time; 'instant' is often shorter and more immediate.)
Antonyms
eternity (Refers to an endless amount of time, the opposite of a brief instant.)
Themes
time
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A very small amount of time, like a moment.
A very short period of time that happens immediately.
B1
2
azonnali
B1
Usage pattern:
instant [result/decision/response]
The new software promises instant results.
Az új szoftver azonnali eredményeket ígér.
He got an instant reply to his message.
Azonnali választ kapott az üzenetére.
This medicine gives instant relief from pain.
Learner examples
I need an instant answer.
Azonnali válaszra van szükségem.
The soup gives instant warmth.
A leves azonnal átmelegít.
She got an instant job offer.
Common mistake:
Some learners use 'instant' when they mean 'quick' for gradual processes; 'instant' means no waiting at all.
Meaning
Happening right away
Collocations
instant reply
|instant result
|instant success
Synonyms
immediate ('Immediate' is slightly more formal and common in official contexts; 'instant' can be more emphatic.)
Antonyms
delayed (Suggests something happens later than expected, opposite of instant.)
Themes
time
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Happening right now or very quickly.
Happening immediately, without any delay.
A2
3
instant
B1
Usage pattern:
instant [coffee/noodles/soup]
I only have time for instant coffee in the morning.
Reggelente csak instant kávéra van időm.
Instant noodles are popular among students.
Az instant tészta népszerű a diákok körében.
We bought some instant soup for camping.
Learner examples
I drink instant coffee every day.
Mindennap instant kávét iszom.
He eats instant noodles for lunch.
Ebédre instant tésztát eszik.
We had instant soup for dinner.
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'instant' here means 'now', but it refers to preparation time, not serving time only.
Meaning
Quickly prepared food/drink
Collocations
instant coffee
|instant noodles
|instant soup
Synonyms
pre-cooked ('Pre-cooked' means already cooked before sale; 'instant' means ready almost immediately with little preparation.)
Antonyms
freshly made (Prepared from fresh ingredients at the time of serving, not instantly prepared.)
Themes
food
|daily life
|food_drink
|daily_life
Definition
Food or drink you can make very fast by adding water or doing little work.
Describes food or drink that can be prepared very quickly, usually by adding hot water or minimal preparation.
Grammar
Dictionary form
instant
IPA
GB/ˈɪnstənt/
US/ˈɪnstənt/
Syllables & stress
in - stant (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (in)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: instant
Noun
- Base: instant
- Plural: instants
Word family
Forms
instants
noun
Core family
instantly
adverb B1
Advanced or less common
instantaneous
adjective C1
instantaneously
adverb C1
Expressions
at that instant
1/ˈæt ðˈæt ˈɪnstənt/
fixed phrase
At that exact moment
At that exact time something happened.
Examples
- At that instant, the phone rang.
- She smiled at that instant.
in an instant
1/ˈɪn ən ˈɪnstənt/
fixed phrase
Very quickly, suddenly
Very fast, in a very short time.
Examples
- The storm ended in an instant.
- He disappeared in an instant.
instant gratification
1/ˈɪnstənt ɡɹˌætəfɪkˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Immediate pleasure or satisfaction
Getting what you want right away without waiting.
Examples
- Online shopping encourages instant gratification.
- Online shopping provides instant gratification, because your purchase arrives with just a few clicks.
- Social media often encourages a desire for instant gratification.
- Social media often gives us instant gratification.
- Many apps are designed to give users instant gratification through quick rewards and notifications.
- Learning a language takes time, so you cannot expect instant gratification.
- Online shopping makes instant gratification easier, because your order arrives with just a few clicks.