What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
instantaneous
Example
The car's airbag deployed instantaneously upon impact. [instantaneously: adverb]
Example
The camera captures images instantaneously, with no lag time. [instantaneously: adverb]
instant
Example
I need an instant response to this urgent matter. [instant: adjective]
Example
The coffee machine makes instant coffee in seconds. [instant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Instant is more commonly used than instantaneous in everyday language. Instant is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while instantaneous is less common and typically used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between instantaneous and instant?
Instantaneous is more formal than instant. It is often used in technical or scientific contexts, while instant is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
