nounnoun

l’instant

moment

Très court moment qui passe très vite.

Word: instant

Meaning:

As a noun:
An instant refers to a very short moment of time, an extremely brief period. In English, it means a specific point in time with no duration, often used to emphasize quickness or immediacy.

Example: "I’ll be there in an instant" means "I’ll be there immediately" or "very quickly."

As an adjective:
Describes something that happens or is ready immediately, without delay. Commonly used with food or drinks (e.g., instant coffee) or events (instant success).

Example: "instant coffee" means coffee that can be prepared immediately by just adding hot water.

Breakdown:
The word comes directly from English but is also used in French with similar meanings.

instant (Latin origin: "instantem," meaning "standing over" or "pressing upon")—referring to the immediate presence of time.

Synonyms:

For noun (moment): moment, second, blink, flash, jiffy
For adjective (immediate): immediate, quick, prompt, instantaneous

Antonyms:

For noun: eternity, age, forever (opposites regarding time span)
For adjective: delayed, slow, eventual

Summary:
"Instant" relates primarily to very brief moments or immediacy. Its usage in French closely mirrors English, often used as a noun to talk about a moment in time or as an adjective to describe immediacy or products ready quickly.