instantaneous

/,instən'teinjəs/

Thân thiện

The relief was instantaneous when the cool breeze reached her face.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Happening or done immediately, without any delay: Describes something that occurs at the exact moment it is needed, perceived, or initiated.
   • Existing or measured at a particular instant: In physics, describes a quantity (like velocity) at a specific point in time.

Usage

• The adjective "instantaneous" is used to describe an event, reaction, or effect that is so fast there is no perceptible lapse in time.
• It is often used in scientific, technical, and formal contexts, but can also be used in general language for emphasis.
• It typically precedes a noun (e.g., ) or follows a linking verb (e.g., ).

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The flash of lightning was followed by an instantaneous clap of thunder.
  • Modern messaging allows for instantaneous communication across the globe.
  • The system provides instantaneous feedback to the user.
  • Death was instantaneous in the accident.

Advanced Usage

• "Instantaneous velocity": In physics, the velocity of an object at a specific moment in time, as opposed to its average velocity over a period.
  • The car's speedometer shows its instantaneous speed.
• "Instantaneous rate of change": In calculus, the derivative of a function at a specific point.
  • We calculated the instantaneous rate of change in the population.

Variants and Related Words

• Instantaneously (adverb): In an instantaneous manner; immediately.
  • The news spread instantaneously online.
• Instantaneity (noun, rare): The quality of being instantaneous.
• Instant (adjective): While often used synonymously in casual speech, "instant" can imply a very short, but not necessarily zero, delay (e.g., instant coffee), whereas "instantaneous" emphasizes the absence of any measurable delay.

Synonyms

• Immediate: Happening or done without delay.
• Instant: Occurring or done at once.
• Direct: Without any intervening factor or delay.
• Prompt: Done without delay; immediate.

Antonyms

• Delayed: Happening at a later time than planned or expected.
• Gradual: Taking place or progressing slowly over time.
• Protracted: Lasting for a long time or longer than expected.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• (In) the blink of an eye: An idiom meaning "instantaneously" or "extremely quickly."
  • The magician made the coin vanish in the blink of an eye.
• At the speed of light: Used figuratively to mean "instantaneously."
  • Rumors travel at the speed of light in this office.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. occurring with no delay
   • relief was instantaneous
   • instant gratification

Từ đồng nghĩa

• instant