instantaneous

/ˌɪnstənˈteɪniəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪnstənˈteɪniəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs -nyəs/ (ame, mw)

instantaneous — adjective

  • instantaneouspositive
  • more instantaneouscomparative
  • most instantaneoussuperlative

1. describes a reaction, result, or change that occurs the same moment as its cause

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a reaction, result, or change that occurs the same moment as its cause, with no measurable gap between the two

例句

Ari pressed the brake and felt an instantaneous jolt as the car stopped.

instantaneous + concrete noun (jolt) tied to a triggering action

The crowd's reaction to Tamar's winning goal was instantaneous and very loud.

predicative use: be + instantaneous (response/reaction)

同義詞
  • immediate

    Everyday word for the same idea; 'instantaneous' is more formal and stresses zero delay rather than just promptness.

  • instant

    Often used before product or food nouns ('instant coffee'); 'instantaneous' fits reactions and physical effects, not products.

  • split-second

    Informal; emphasises speed of a decision or movement rather than the simultaneity of cause and effect.

反義詞
  • delayed

    Marks a clear gap between trigger and response, the opposite of instantaneous.

  • gradual

    Spreads the change over time instead of compressing it into a single moment.

文法句型

instantaneous + noun

用法筆記

Typically modifies nouns naming a reaction, response, change, or effect — something that follows a clear trigger. Often paired with hedges such as 'almost' or 'nearly' because perfect simultaneity is rare in everyday situations.

常見錯誤

❌The meeting was instantaneous and lasted ten minutes.
✅The meeting was short and lasted ten minutes.
💡'instantaneous' means no time gap between cause and effect, not simply 'brief'.