Set 40 · Study 1 / 5

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instant

adjective/ˈɪnst(ə)nt/

immediate

We should tell Casey to think carefully and not to make instant decisions.

rapidquickpromptinstantaneous
word origin — late Middle English (in instant (sense 2 of the adjective, instant sense 3 of the adjective, instant sense 4 of the adjective)): via Old French from Latin instant- ‘being at hand’, from the verb instare, from in- ‘in, at’ + stare ‘to stand’

Intermediate — Set 40

Set 40 of Intermediate covers 5 words: instant, available, ultimate, temporary, permanent. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. instant · adjective/ˈɪnst(ə)nt/

    immediate

    We should tell Casey to think carefully and not to make instant decisions.

    Synonyms: rapid, quick, prompt, instantaneous

    Origin: late Middle English (in instant (sense 2 of the adjective, instant sense 3 of the adjective, instant sense 4 of the adjective)): via Old French from Latin instant- ‘being at hand’, from the verb instare, from in- ‘in, at’ + stare ‘to stand’

  2. available · adjective/əˈveɪləb(ə)l/

    able to be obtained, taken, or used

    Coffee and snacks will be available for you during the meeting breaks.

    Synonyms: accessible, obtainable, convenient, unoccupied

    Origin: late Middle English (in the senses ‘effectual, serviceable’ and ‘legally valid’): from avail+ -able. The sense ‘at someone's disposal’ dates from the early 19th century

  3. ultimate · adjective/ˈəltəmət/

    final or the most important

    He changed his mind frequently, so I do not remember the ultimate decision on this.

    Synonyms: last, supreme

    Origin: mid 17th century: from late Latin ultimatus, past participle of ultimare ‘come to an end’

  4. temporary · adjective/ˈtɛmpəˌrɛri/

    lasting or existing for a short time only

    Elaine is living with me for the time being but it's just temporary. She will move back in her house by January.

    Synonyms: short-lived, transient, momentary

    Origin: mid 16th century: from Latin temporarius, from tempus, tempor- ‘time’

  5. permanent · adjective/ˈpərm(ə)nənt/

    existing all the time or for a long time

    I thought I would take this job for only a short period, but now it has become permanent.

    Synonyms: constant, lasting, durable, enduring

    Origin: late Middle English: from Latin permanent- ‘remaining to the end’ (perhaps via Old French), from per- ‘through’ + manere ‘remain’