French word

instantané

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃stɑ̃tane/

Meaning

  • adjectiveinstant

Example

La réaction a été instantanée.

The reaction was instant.

Illustration for instantané (instant)

More examples

Le serveur a renvoyé une réponse instantanée.

The server returned an immediate response.

Core concept

A shutter catches a scene in one brief instant, like a reaction that happens and ends immediately.

Common phrases

  • réaction instantanée

    immediate reaction

  • réponse instantanée

    immediate response

  • photo instantanée

    instant photo

Similar words

immédiat: Starting immediately, without any delay.
rapide: Moving or changing quickly and finishing in a short time.
prompt: Responding quickly to a request or situation.
soudain: Happening suddenly without warning or anticipation.

Definition in French

Qui apparaît sans délai perceptible et se caractérise par sa très brève durée.

Word origin

The French form instantané is a learned formation from Latin instantaneus, based on instans and expressing something occurring in the present moment.

Usage tips

  • Instantané stresses both lack of delay and very short duration, whereas immédiat mainly stresses that something happens without delay.

Other meanings

  • immediateadjective
  • momentaryadjective
  • snapshotnoun

Opposites

  • progressifprogressiveadjective
  • retardédelayedadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word