L’instant (en. The moment)

/lɛ̃stɑ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

A particular moment, often brief.

He arrived at the moment I was leaving.

Il est arrivé à l’instant où je partais.

The moment can refer to an extremely short duration.

Wait a moment, I'll be right back.

Attends un instant, je reviens.

Reference to a present moment.

At that moment, everything seemed perfect.

À cet instant, tout semblait parfait.

From the Latin 'instans', from the verb 'instare' meaning 'to stand in front'.

just now

Just at that precise moment.

à l’instant

in a moment

Soon, shortly.

dans un instant

for a moment

For a brief period.

pour un instant

instantaneous

That occurs immediately.

instantané

moment

A short lapse of time, often memorable.

moment

accelerated

That occurs faster than usual.

accéléré

The instantaneous

Take a snapshot of this moment.

Prends un instantané de ce moment.

At that very moment

We made the decision at that very moment.

On a pris la décision à l’instant même.