adjective

instantaneous

instantaneous, immediate

Death was almost instantaneous.

Death was almost instantaneous.

We received an instantaneous response to our query.

We received an instantaneous response to our query.

((an instantaneous sth.)) happening or done immediately. Death was almost instantaneous.

Synonyms: immediate, prompt, swift; Antonyms: delayed, slow, gradual

From Latin 'instans' (present, pressing). It combines 'instant' with the adjectival suffix '-aneous', meaning 'relating to'.

Think of an 'instant' camera flash – the light is instantaneous, happening in a moment.

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