Definition of instant

The word "instant" has its roots in Latin. The Latin word "instant" means "present" or "existing now", and is derived from the verb "instare", which means "to stand in" or "to be ready". This verb is also the source of other English words such as "instantly" and "instantaneous". In Old French, the Latin word "instant" was borrowed and evolved into "enstant", which referred to something that is present or happening in the present moment. This Old French word was then borrowed into Middle English as "instant", retaining the sense of something being present or happening now. Over time, the meaning of the word "instant" has expanded to include concepts such as speed, quickness, and immediacy, as seen in phrases like "instant coffee" or "instant messaging". Despite its etymological roots in the concept of presence, the modern meaning of "instant" is often associated with rapidity and swiftness rather than temporal proximity.