What is instantly? Pronunciation and usage in English

instantly means . Learn how to pronounce and use instantly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of instantly

instantlyadverb

/ˈɪnstəntli//ˈɪnstəntli/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "instantly" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcription and a description:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ɪnˈstæntli/

Breakdown:

  • ɪn - Sounds like the "in" in "tin" - a short, quick vowel sound.
  • ˈstænt - This is the stressed syllable.
    • st - Sounds like the "st" in "stop".
    • æ - This is a short, open "a" sound – like the "a" in "cat" or "bat". It's a key sound to get right.
    • nt - Sounds like "nt" as in "went".
  • li - Sounds like the "li" in "light" – a quick, short vowel.

Putting it together, a more spoken description:

Think of it as: "in-stan-tlee"

Here's a helpful way to break it down:

  1. "In": Say "in" quickly.
  2. "Stant": Emphasize this syllable. Make the "a" sound like in "cat". The "nt" is a single sound, like in "went".
  3. "Lee": Say "lee" quickly, and smoothly connecting to "stant."

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/instantly/ - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word.
  • Google Translate: Type "instantly" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: Placing the emphasis on the second syllable ("stan") is crucial.
  • The "a" sound: Really focus on getting that short "a" sound in "stænt." Don't make it like "ant."
  • Rapid Speech: It's spoken quite quickly, so practice connecting the syllables smoothly.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using "instantly"?
  • Focus on a specific part of the pronunciation (e.g., the "a" sound)?

Usage and examples with the word instantly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "instantly" in English. It's a versatile word that generally means "immediately" or "without delay." Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. Core Meaning: Immediately

  • Definition: Happening or done without any delay; immediately.
  • Example: "The light switched on instantly when I flipped the switch." (It didn't take a second; it happened right away.)
  • Example: "He felt a wave of sadness instantly upon hearing the news." (The sadness appeared immediately.)

2. Using "Instantly" with Verbs & Adjectives

  • With Verbs: It's most common to use "instantly" after verbs describing quick actions.

    • Example: "The email was sent instantly."
    • Example: "She recognized him instantly."
    • Example: "The audience erupted in applause instantly."
    • Example: "He understood the problem instantly."

  • With Adjectives: You can also use it with adjectives to describe a sudden state or feeling.

    • Example: "He felt instantly relieved." (He felt relief immediately.)
    • Example: "The room was instantly filled with music." (The music appeared immediately.)
    • Example: “She looked instantly tired.” (She appeared tired right away.)

3. Common Phrases Using "Instantly"

  • Instantly aware: "I was instantly aware of the change in the weather." (I noticed it immediately.)
  • Instantly regret: “I instantly regretted telling him that joke.” (I felt regret right away.)
  • Instantly popular: “The song became instantly popular.” (It gained a lot of followers quickly.)
  • Instantly recognizable: “It's instantly recognizable as a Van Gogh painting.” (You know it right away.)

4. Important Notes and Nuances

  • Don't overuse it: While "instantly" is a useful word, using it too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider alternatives like "immediately," "right away," or "without delay" sometimes.

  • Emphasis: "Instantly" emphasizes the speed or suddenness of something. If you simply want to say something happened quickly, "quickly" or "rapidly" might be better choices.

  • Formal vs. Informal: It's generally suitable for both formal and informal writing/speech.

5. Contrast with Similar Words

  • Immediately: Very similar and often interchangeable. "Instantly" sometimes feels slightly more dramatic.
  • Rapidly: Focuses on speed – “The train traveled rapidly.”
  • Quickly: Also about speed, but often less emphatic than "instantly." “He solved the puzzle quickly.”

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., creative writing, academic essay, email, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're trying to use "instantly"? I can then tell you if it's the best word to use and suggest alternatives if needed.

Synonyms for the word instantly

Practice with vocabulary instantly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Complete the sentences with the most appropriate word.

  1. Upon receiving the critical security alert, the technical team responded _______ to isolate the affected server.
  2. Modern communication tools allow for documents and data to be shared _______ across global offices, facilitating real-time collaboration.
  3. The project manager requested that all feedback on the initial proposal be submitted _______ to keep the development timeline on track.
  4. She was able to understand the complex financial model _______, impressing her colleagues with her quick analytical skills.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Choose all options that correctly complete each sentence.

  1. During the live broadcast, the host had to think _______ to address the unexpected technical issue. A) gradually B) instantly C) slowly D) without hesitation

  2. For agile project management, teams must be prepared to implement changes _______ to adapt to evolving client requirements. A) after lengthy review B) on the fly C) with considerable delay D) instantaneously

  3. The new software update significantly improved performance, allowing large files to load and applications to launch _______. A) sluggishly B) instantly C) over time D) right away

  4. To avoid missing crucial details, it is important to review contracts _______ before signing them. A) superficially B) thoroughly C) immediately D) carelessly

  5. His _______ decision to invest in the startup proved to be highly lucrative, yielding significant returns within a year. A) cautious B) shrewd C) impulsive D) gradual

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite each sentence according to the instructions.

  1. The customer support agent resolved the issue without any delay. (Rewrite using "instantly".)

  2. Her quick reaction allowed her to grasp the solution in a moment. (Rewrite using a related form of "instantly".)

  3. The company needs to make a very quick strategic move to capitalize on this market opportunity. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word for "very quick" but NOT "instantly" or "immediately".)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. instantly
  2. instantly
  3. promptly
  4. readily

Exercise 2:

  1. B) instantly, D) without hesitation
  2. B) on the fly, D) instantaneously
  3. B) instantly, D) right away
  4. B) thoroughly
  5. B) shrewd, C) impulsive (depending on context, but "shrewd" implies a good quick decision, while "impulsive" is also quick, but can be negative. Given the "lucrative" outcome, "shrewd" is a better fit for a positive quick decision. I will include both as "quick" can mean both.) Self-correction: The instruction is for similar or confusing words, and practical incorrect choices. "Impulsive" is a good fit for a quick decision without much thought, which often links to "instantly" but can be negative. "Shrewd" focuses on the quality of the decision. Let's make sure the "noise" is effective. For "instantly," the focus is speed. "Impulsive" clearly relates to speed. "Shrewd" relates to wisdom. A quick and shrewd decision is possible. I will provide both.

Exercise 3:

  1. The customer support agent resolved the issue instantly.
  2. Her quick reaction allowed her to grasp the solution instantaneously.
  3. The company needs to make a swift strategic move to capitalize on this market opportunity.

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