instant
/ˈɪnstənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪnstənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈin(t)-stənt/ (ame, mw) · /ˈɪn.stənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪn.stənt/ (ame, ipa)
instant — 形容詞
- instantpositive
- more instantcomparative
- most instantsuperlative
1. happening or done without any delay between cause and effect
立即的
馬上發生的，毫無延遲
happening or done without any delay between cause and effect
The security badge gave Élise instant access to every floor of the office.
這張安全證件讓 Élise 可以立即進入辦公大樓的每一層樓。
instant access to [place/thing]
Gabriel's instant apology stopped the quarrel before it could get worse.
Gabriel 的立即道歉阻止了爭吵繼續惡化下去。
The latest smartphone cameras process photos with near-instant speed, even in low light.
最新的智慧型手機相機即使在光線不足的環境下，也能以近乎即時的速度處理影像。
There is no instant fix for the traffic problems in our growing city.
我們這個不斷成長的城市，沒有辦法立即解決交通問題。
Ryan sent an instant reply to the customer complaint through the live chat system.
Ryan 透過即時通訊系統立即回覆了顧客的投訴。
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
即溶的；速食
加水即可快速調製的食物或飲料
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.
Lara 在出門上班前泡了一杯即溶咖啡。
instant coffee — common product name
Instant noodles are a cheap meal for university students living on their own.
泡麵是獨自生活的大學生常吃的便宜餐點。
When the power went out, the family ate instant soup that only needed hot water.
停電時，那家人煮了只需要加熱水的即食湯品。
The packet of instant oatmeal was ready in less than two minutes.
那包即食麥片不到兩分鐘就泡好了。
Ziad prefers instant mashed potatoes because they save time during busy weeknights.
Ziad 偏愛即食馬鈴薯泥，因為忙碌的平日晚上可以省下不少時間。
- 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 — 名詞
1. a length of time so brief that it feels almost too short to notice or count
瞬間
極短暫的時間
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.
在那個瞬間，Naoko 發現她把鑰匙留在車裡了。
in that instant — time phrase
The whole accident lasted only an instant, but Eve remembered every detail.
整起事故只持續了一瞬間，但 Eve 記得每一個細節。
The instant the fire alarm rang, the students walked calmly to the exit.
消防警鈴響起的那一瞬間，學生們冷靜地走向出口。
Lakshmi closed her eyes for just an instant before answering the question.
Lakshmi 閉上眼睛僅僅一瞬間，然後回答了問題。
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.