instantly

instantly — adverb

1. happening or done in a very short time, with no noticeable delay between a cause

1.adverbB1
Definition

happening or done in a very short time, with no noticeable delay between a cause and its result.

Example

When Tamar heard the fire alarm, she instantly grabbed her bag and headed for the exit.

instantly + past simple verb for a sudden physical response

The new messaging app sends photos instantly, with almost no loading time.

verb + instantly (after the main verb)

Common collocations
  • instantly recognizable
  • instantly regret
  • instantly killed
  • almost instantly
  • nearly instantly
Synonyms
  • immediately

    more general; can mean 'very soon' as well as 'right now'

  • at once

    slightly more formal; common in instructions and commands

  • right away

    informal; very common in everyday speech

Antonyms
  • eventually

    implies a delay before something happens

  • gradually

    implies the action unfolds over time, not all at once

Grammar Patterns

instantly + verb

verb + instantly

Usage Note

Distinguish from immediately: instantly always implies zero time gap and is often used with sudden events or reactions. Immediately can also mean 'very soon' or 'as the next step' (e.g. immediately after the meeting).

Common Mistakes

I will finish this report instantly.' (when you mean soon, not at this exact moment).
I will finish this report immediately.
Instantly means with zero delay; for 'very soon' use immediately or shortly.

Word family

  • instant
    adjectiveB1
  • instant
    nounB2
  • instantaneous
    adjectiveC1
  • instantaneously
    adverbC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All four words express that something happens with little or no delay, but they differ in force and formality. Instantly is the strongest — it stresses that the time gap is zero, often for dramatic or sudden events (e.g. the car exploded instantly). Immediately is more neutral and versatile: it can mean 'as the next step' (immediately after graduation) or 'without hesitation' (she immediately agreed). At once sounds slightly formal or urgent and is common in written instructions (leave the building at once). Right away and straight away (the latter mainly British) are informal and conversational (I'll call him right away). In everyday speech right away is the most natural substitute for instantly when you want a less dramatic tone.

immediately ↗at once ↗right awaystraight away ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

Phrases

  • instantly recognizable
  • instantly regret
  • instantly killed
  • instantly transformed

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Comes from Latin instant- ('standing near, being present'), the root of the verb instare ('to stand upon, urge'). It passed into English through Old French instant and was formed into the adverb instantly in the 15th century, originally meaning 'urgently' or 'persistently'. The modern meaning 'without delay' took over by the 17th century.