instant

adjective (instant); noun (an instant, instants)

«instant» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

Everyday

Happening at once, with no wait: «an instant reply». tree →
(of food or drink) Made very quickly, usually by adding hot water: «instant noodles». tree →
(noun) A very short moment: «For an instant, nobody moved». tree →
(the instant) As soon as: «Call me the instant you arrive». tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life: instant noodles, instant coffee, instant messaging, an instant camera. In stories «in an instant» or «for an instant» shows something happened very fast or for a moment. Phrases: «in an instant», «at that instant», «the instant (that)», «instant replay». Adverb: instantly.

Examples

The magic potion had an instant effect. tree →
We had instant noodles for lunch. tree →
In an instant, the lights went out. tree →
Come here this instant! tree →
Call me the instant the cake is ready. tree →
The film was an instant success. tree →
For an instant, I thought I saw a ghost. tree →
In an instant he was there. tree →

Note

«An instant» (vowel sound). Adverb: instantly. Do not confuse with «instance» (an example: «for instance»). «This instant» means right now, often in a strict command.

In Jewish tradition

It means a moment. In Jeremiah God says that at any moment he may speak of building up or of tearing down a nation.

Interpretation. Tradition reads Jeremiah as teaching that God's decrees can change if people repent, which is why the prophets called people to return to God.

Examples

And at one instant I may speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; (Prophets JER.18.9, JPS 1917) tree →
At one instant I may speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy it; (Prophets JER.18.7, JPS 1917) tree →
Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant. (Prophets ISA.30.13, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«An instant» (vowel sound). Adverb: instantly. Do not confuse with «instance» (an example: «for instance»). «This instant» means right now, often in a strict command.

On Mova

Trees and pragmatics of «instant» in the school dictionary: every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
«instant» in the school dictionary on Mova free.
Trees and pragmatics of «instant» in the Judaism dictionary: every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
«instant» in the Judaism dictionary on Mova free.

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