Instante (en. Instant)

/insˈtante/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
Minimum period of time.
The car stopped an instant away from crashing.
El coche se detuvo a un instante de chocar.
A particular moment of an action or event.
In an instant, the light went out.
En un instante, la luz se apagó.
Immediate change that occurs in a short period.
Everything happened in an instant, I couldn't react.
Todo ocurrió en un instante, no pude reaccionar.

Etymology

From Latin 'instans, instantis', which means 'that is present or that happens now'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

in an instant
in a brief period of time.
en un instante
instantly
immediately.
al instante
in the blink of an eye
very quickly.
en un abrir y cerrar de ojos

Related Words

instantaneous
That occurs or is produced immediately.
instantáneo
instantaneous
Photograph taken at a specific moment.
instantánea
instance
Concrete case or example.
instancia

Slang Meanings

A fleeting moment.
The party was amazing, but it lasted only an instant.
La fiesta fue increíble, pero duró solo un instante.
Something that happens quickly.
The news arrived in an instant.
La noticia llegó en un instante.