instant
/ˈɪnstənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪnstənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈin(t)-stənt/ (ame, mw) · /ˈɪn.stənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪn.stənt/ (ame, ipa)
instant — adjective
- instantpositive
- more instantcomparative
- most instantsuperlative
1. happening or done without any delay between cause and effect
happening or done without any delay between cause and effect
The security badge gave Élise instant access to every floor of the office.
instant access to [place/thing]
Gabriel's instant apology stopped the quarrel before it could get worse.
The latest smartphone cameras process photos with near-instant speed, even in low light.
There is no instant fix for the traffic problems in our growing city.
Ryan sent an instant reply to the customer complaint through the live chat system.
文法句型
instant + noun
be + instant
常見錯誤
2. Products described as instant have been dried, powdered, or concentrated so that
Products described as instant have been dried, powdered, or concentrated so that they are ready to eat or drink after adding hot water or another liquid.
Lara made a cup of instant coffee before heading out to work.
instant coffee — common product name
Instant noodles are a cheap meal for university students living on their own.
When the power went out, the family ate instant soup that only needed hot water.
The packet of instant oatmeal was ready in less than two minutes.
Ziad prefers instant mashed potatoes because they save time during busy weeknights.
- ready-made
broader term that includes foods not requiring cooking or assembly
- pre-prepared
more formal; food already prepared before purchase
文法句型
instant + [food/drink noun]
用法筆記
Only used before a noun that names a food or drink product.
常見錯誤
instant — noun
1. a length of time so brief that it feels almost too short to notice or count
a length of time so brief that it feels almost too short to notice or count
In that instant, Naoko realised she had left her keys inside the car.
in that instant — time phrase
The whole accident lasted only an instant, but Eve remembered every detail.
The instant the fire alarm rang, the students walked calmly to the exit.
Lakshmi closed her eyes for just an instant before answering the question.
文法句型
an instant
in an instant
for an instant
the instant [that-clause]
用法筆記
Commonly appears in fixed phrases such as 'in an instant', 'for an instant', and 'the instant (that)' which introduces a clause of time.