instantaneous

/ˌˈɪnztənˌˈteɪniəs/

/ɪnstɪnˈteɪniəs/

Something instantaneous is happening right now, without delay. In today's society, the technology we carry in our pockets means people often expect an instantaneous or immediate response to emails and text messages.

Instantaneous comes from the Latin instant- meaning "being at hand." When something is instantaneous, it's right at hand when you need it. You can produce an instantaneous reply to someone or see an instantaneous change happen. If something happens very suddenly, you can describe it as instantaneous.

Definitions of instantaneous

1. adjective

   occurring with no delay
   “relief was instantaneous”

   synonyms: instant

   fast

   acting or moving or capable of acting or moving quickly