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Definition of instantly

instantly

/ˈɪnstəntli/
in · stant · ly
Adjective:instant
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instantly Lexical Profile

instantly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

At once; immediately; without any delay.

Example

"The new software update resolved the system error instantly."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• conjunction

1

British As soon as; the moment that.

Example

"She recognized his voice instantly he began to speak."

Synonyms
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• Nearby Words

instant
instantaneous
instantaneously
instantly
instate
instead
instep

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 15th century from the adjective 'instant' (from Latin 'instans', meaning 'standing near' or 'urgent') combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'. It originally carried the sense of 'urgently' or 'earnestly' before shifting to its modern meaning of 'at once'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Instantly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/instantly
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