instantaneous

adjective

in·​stan·​ta·​neous ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs 

-nyəs

1

: done, occurring, or acting without any perceptible duration of time

death was instantaneous

2

: done without any delay being purposely introduced

took instantaneous corrective action

3

: occurring or present at a particular instant

instantaneous velocity

instantaneity

ˌin-ˌstan-tə-ˈnē-ə-tē 

ˌin(t)-stən-tə-ˈnē-

noun

instantaneously

ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs-lē 

-nyəs-lē

adverb

instantaneousness noun

Synonyms

• immediate
• instant
• split-second
• straightaway

Examples of instantaneous in a Sentence

We got an almost instantaneous response from the company.

the thunder following the flash of lightning was nearly instantaneous

Recent Examples on the Web

Imagine a future where financial transactions are instantaneous, transcending the traditional bottlenecks of speed and security that have plagued the sector for years. —Eric Solis, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

The setup served up 500 tokens per second to produce answers that were nearly instantaneous. —Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2024

Their connection was instantaneous, and Lori began her signature love bombing. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 29 Sep. 2024

As a whole, the internet changed the world for the better (instantaneous communication, easier access to a global workforce) despite introducing new challenges (social media addiction, a surge in computer viruses and ransomware). —Syed Ahmed, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin instantāneus, from instant-, instans "moment, point of time," + Latin -āneus, suffix forming adjectives from temporal adverbs — more at instant entry 1

Note: Regarding the suffix -āneus see the etymology and note at spontaneous.

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

instantaneous

adjective

in·​stan·​ta·​neous ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs 

-nyəs

1

: happening in an instant

2

: done without delay

instantaneously adverb

instantaneousness noun