instantaneous
ihns-tuhn-TAY-nee-uhs
Instantaneous (adj) means happening so fast it seems to occur at once, with no noticeable delay. Example: “The camera flash and the shutter click were almost instantaneous.”
adj
1
Happening so fast it seems to occur at once, with no noticeable delay.
"The camera flash and the shutter click were almost instantaneous."
"Light travel over short distances feels instantaneous to the human eye."
How to use instantaneous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOccurring in essentially zero time.
When to use it
More formal and technical-sounding than "instant" — common in science and engineering writing.
Common pairings
instantaneous reaction
instantaneous effect
nearly instantaneous
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The camera flash and the shutter click were almost _____.
Etymology
From New Latin instantaneus, built on the same Latin root as instant.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for instantaneous
See all rhymes for instantaneous →Frequently asked questions
What does “instantaneous” mean?
The word “instantaneous” means happening so fast it seems to occur at once, with no noticeable delay. In plain terms, occurring in essentially zero time.
How do you pronounce “instantaneous”?
“Instantaneous” is pronounced ihns-tuhn-TAY-nee-uhs (/ɪnstənˈteɪni.əs/ in IPA).
How do you use “instantaneous” in a sentence?
Here is “instantaneous” used in a sentence: “The camera flash and the shutter click were almost instantaneous.”
What is the opposite of “instantaneous”?
The opposite of “instantaneous” — its antonyms — are delayed, gradual, nonimmediate, noninstantaneous and slow.
What part of speech is “instantaneous”?
“Instantaneous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “instantaneous” come from?
The word “instantaneous” comes from New Latin. From New Latin instantaneus, built on the same Latin root as instant.
Is “instantaneous” a common word?
“Instantaneous” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
