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Glite Dictionary
real-time

real-time

57 4.3
Processing or showing information immediately as it arrives
  • adjective
  • /ˈriːəl taɪm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : en tiempo real
  • One such technology is synchronous online chats that enable one-to-one, text-based, real-time interactions between students and communication center staff.
  • real-time pricing
  • real-time data
  • a real-time system

Yeah, well, we've done some ray tracing renders and not real time, right.

Examples

  • Downhole MWD tools provide essentially real-time information on what the drill bit is penetrating.

    Academic text (1991)

  • Video conferencing technology allows real-time transmission of events to essentially anywhere in the world.

    Academic text (2008)

  • The lack of software is due in part to the real-time performance requirements of the robots.

    Academic text (1995)

  • We'll have real-time sat images, local news and law enforcement feeds.

    Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins' Ball (2010)

  • As a result, more utilities are offering real-time pricing options to their largest industrial customers.

    Academic text (1994)

  • We have actionable, real-time intel on their whereabouts.

    Shadow Force (2025)

  • The app provides real-time updates on traffic conditions to help you avoid delays.

  • During the video call, we were able to see each other in real-time, making the conversation feel more personal.

  • With this software, you can track your fitness goals in real-time and adjust your workouts accordingly.

Synonyms

immediate
vsreal-time
570 1.3

Happening at once without any delay

is specifically about processing data when received, not any prompt action
instantaneous
vsreal-time
35 5.1

Happening right away without any delay

is about processing incoming data as it arrives rather than mere speed

Antonyms

delayed
1 1.3

Slower than usual in development or learning

How Immediate

instantaneous
35 5.1
real-time
  • Specialized
57 4.3
delayed
1 1.3

Surface Forms

real-time positive

Morphology

real-time = real + time (transparent) = real + time

The meaning 'occurring at the actual time of events' is directly derived from the components 'real' + 'time' and is easily inferable by learners.

Etymology

Real-time comes from the two simple words real meaning 'actual' or 'not fake' and time meaning 'the moment when things happen'. So real-time means something that happens or is shown 'right now', which is why computer systems that process data as it arrives are called real-time.