instant

Instant refers to something occurring or done immediately, without appreciable delay. As an adjective, it describes events, actions, or results that are almost instantaneous. The noun sense can denote a precise moment in time, often referred to as "the instant" in phrases like "in an instant." The word derives from the Latin instāns, the present participle of instāre, meaning to stand in or to present, indicating immediacy.

In everyday language, instant is widely used in reference to products and services that require minimal preparation or deliver rapid results. Instant coffee and instant noodles involve processing that allows quick preparation, typically requiring only hot water or brief cooking. The term also appears in expressions such as "instant access" or "instant gratification," which reflect the appeal of immediacy in modern markets.

In technology and communication, instant appears in terms such as instant messaging, which enables real-time or near-real-time text exchange online. The concept emphasizes speed of delivery alongside content, contrasting with delayed or batch processing. In computing and data transfer, "instant" is often used to describe processes that complete quickly relative to user expectations.

In science, an instantaneous quantity refers to a value measured at a particular moment in time. For example, instantaneous velocity is the rate of motion at a specific instant, as opposed to average velocity over an interval. The term helps distinguish momentary states from averages or aggregates, underscoring the emphasis on immediacy inherent in the word.