instant
adj
1 [usu attrib 通常作定語]
coming or happening at once 立即的; 立刻的
a new book that was an instant success 一出版就大獲成功的新書
feel instant relief after treatment 醫治後隨即感到舒服了
instant hot water, ie as soon as the tap is turned on 瞬間致熱的水(一開龍頭水就熱).
2 (of food preparations) that can very quickly and easily be made ready for use (指食品的制備)調制快速方便的, 速成的
instant coffee, ie made by adding hot water or milk to a powder 速溶咖啡.
3 (abbr 縮寫 inst) (dated commerce 舊, 商) (after dates 用於日期之後) of the present month 本月的
in reply to your letter of the 9th inst 茲覆本月9日來函.
4 [attrib 作定語]
(fml 文) urgent 緊急的; 急迫的
attend to sb's instant needs 滿足某人緊急的需要
in instant need of help 在需要緊急援助時.
instant n (esp sing 尤作單數)
1 precise point of time 當時
Come here this instant! ie at once! 馬上到這里來!
He left (at) that (very) instant. 他立刻離開了.
leave on the instant of six o'clock, ie not a second later than six 六時整離開
I recognized her the instant (that) (ie as soon as) I saw her. 我一眼就認出是她.
2 short space of time; moment 頃刻; 剎那; 瞬間; 片刻
I shall be back in an instant. 我馬上就回來.
Help came not an instant too soon. 援助來得正是時候.
Just for an instant I thought he was going to refuse. 我腦中有一閃念, 以為他要拒絕了.