How to pronounce instant
Say it like IN-stunt. Instant has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN).
- IN
- stunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Instant pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- INSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- stuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of instant
American and British speakers say instant in essentially the same way: /ˈɪnstənt/ in the US and /ˈɪnstənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: IN-stunt.
What does instant mean?
- A very short period of time; a moment.“She paused for only an instant, which was just enough time for John to change the subject.”
- A single, usually precise, point in time.“The instant the alarm went off, he fled the building.”
- A beverage or food which has been pre-processed to reduce preparation time, especially instant coffee.
- Impending; imminent.
- Urgent; pressing; acute.
- Insistent; persistent.
- At once; immediately.
Where does instant come from?
From Middle English instant (“infinitely short period of time”), from Old French instant (“assiduous, at hand”, adjective), from Latin īnstāns, īnstantis (“present, pressing, urgent”, literally “standing near”), present active participle of
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying instant
How do you pronounce instant?
Say IN-stunt. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪnstənt/. In British English it is /ˈɪnstənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in instant?
Instant has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN). Broken into parts: IN · stunt.
Do Americans and Brits say instant the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɪnstənt/ and the British form is /ˈɪnstənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.