real-time

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˈriːˌltaɪm/

📖 Definitions

  1. adjective
    Occurring or processed immediately, without perceptible delay, as events happen.; Of or relating to a computer system that processes data and produces output within a strict time constraint, often used in control systems.
  2. adverb
    In real time; immediately as events occur.
  3. noun
    The actual time during which a process or event occurs, as opposed to simulated or recorded time.

🔗 Details

Word forms

uncountable

Collocations

real-time datareal-time processingreal-time communicationin real timereal-time analyticsreal-time monitoringreal-time feedback

Synonyms

instantaneousliveimmediatesimultaneousinstant

Antonyms

delayedasynchronousoffline

Commonly confused

real time
EN: 'Real time' (no hyphen) is used as a noun ('in real time'); 'real-time' (hyphenated) is used as an adjective before a noun ('real-time processing').

Spelling tips

EN: Use a hyphen when 'real-time' functions as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., 'real-time updates'), but write it as two words when used as a noun (e.g., 'happening in real time').

💬 Examples

  1. The stock market data was displayed in real-time on the trading floor screens.

  2. The aircraft relies on a real-time operating system to manage flight controls.

  3. The news channel reported the events real-time as they unfolded.

  4. The simulation ran in real-time, matching the actual duration of the mission.