Instanter is a legal term that means "immediately." It is spelled /ɪnˈstæntər/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This word can be difficult to spell because of its unusual ending. It is important to remember that there are no vowels after the "t," so it is not spelled "instanter." The "a" before the final "n" helps to indicate the correct pronunciation of the word - it should be stressed on the second syllable (in-STAN-ter).
Instanter is an adverb that means immediately or at once. It is derived from the Latin word "instans," which means pressing or urgent. This term is often used in legal and formal contexts to emphasize promptness and urgency in performing an action or carrying out a task.
When used in legal proceedings, instanter indicates that something needs to be done immediately, without delay. For example, a judge may issue an order for a defendant to appear in court instanter, demanding their immediate presence. Similarly, a court clerk may be instructed to issue a warrant instanter, requiring immediate action to apprehend a suspect.
Beyond legal contexts, instanter can be employed to express a sense of urgency in general situations. It often implies that time is of the essence and that immediate action is necessary. For instance, emergency medical personnel may be called to the scene of an accident instanter to provide immediate medical attention. Likewise, a manager may instruct their team to complete a task instanter, stressing the need for prompt and efficient execution.
With its roots in Latin, instanter adds a formal touch to conversation or writing. Its persistence in legal language and other formal domains underscores its importance and urgent nature.
• Immediately; without delay.
• Immediately.
• Without delay; immediately.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "instanter" has its origins in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "instantem", which is the accusative singular form of the word "instans". "Instans" is the present participle of the verb "instare", meaning "to stand upon", "to press upon", or "to urge".
Over time, "instanter" was borrowed into Middle English from Old French as "instantour" or "instauntour", before eventually evolving into its current form. The word has a strong connection to urgency, immediacy, or insistence, reflecting its Latin roots.