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Glite Dictionary
real-time

real-time

72 4.3
Processing or showing information immediately as it arrives
  • adjective
  • /ˈriːəl taɪm/
  • Specialized
: 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
395 1.3

Happening at once without any delay

is specifically about processing data when received, not any prompt action
instantaneous
vsreal-time
33 5.1

Happening right away without any delay

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

Antonyms

delayed
74 1.3

Slower than usual in development or learning

How Immediate

instantaneous
33 5.1
real-time
  • Specialized
72 4.3
delayed
74 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.