| 释义 |
in·stant
I. \ˈinztənt, ˈin(t)stə-\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English, probably from Middle French, from instant, adjective
1.
a. : an infinitesimal space of time : a point of time
< came not an instant too soon >
especially : a point without temporal duration separating two states each with temporal duration
< at the instant of death >
b. : a point of time present or regarded as present in respect to a particular context : moment
< the instant we met >
< come here this instant >
< the instant she opened her eyes >
2. : the present or current month
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin instant-, instans, from present participle of instare to stand upon, press upon, urge, from in- in- (II) + stare to stand — more at stand
1. : insistent, importunate, pressing, urgent
< instant in argument >
2.
a. : present, current
< the instant case being tried >
b. : of or occurring in the present month — abbr. inst.
< received your letter of the 10th inst. >
— compare proximo, ultimo
3. : closely pressing in respect to time
< running an instant risk of suffocating >
4. : immediate, direct
< the instant dependence of form upon soul — R.W.Emerson >
5.
a. : premixed or precooked for easy final preparation
< instant cake mix >
< instant mashed potatoes >
b. : immediately soluble in water
< instant coffee >
Synonyms: see pressing
III. adverb
: at once : instantly
IV. adjective
1. : appearing in or as if in ready-to-use form
< instant culture >
2. : produced or occurring with or as if with extreme rapidity and ease
< what the technology of communications now offers us — instant knowledge on the one hand, and instant boredom … on the other — Arlene Croce >
< there are always lots of chicks around for instant sex — Barbara A. Bannon > |