immediate
ih-MEE-deert
Immediate (adj) means happening or done right away, without delay. Example: “The company issued an immediate apology after the incident.”
adj
1
Happening or done right away, without delay.
"The company issued an immediate apology after the incident."
"We need an immediate response to the emergency."
"Her immediate reaction was to laugh, even though it wasn't funny."
2
Closest in relationship or position; directly connected.
"Only her immediate family attended the small wedding."
"The immediate neighbours complained about the noise, but others heard nothing."
"Please stay in the immediate area until the guide returns."
How to use immediate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHappening right now with no delay, or being the closest/most direct one in a relationship.
Common pairings
immediate family
immediate effect
immediate response
in the immediate future
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more immediate
- Superlative
- most immediate
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The company issued an _____ apology after the incident.
Etymology
From Late Latin immediatus, meaning "without anything in between," from in- plus mediatus, from medius ("middle").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for immediate
See all rhymes for immediate →Frequently asked questions
What does “immediate” mean?
The word “immediate” means happening or done right away, without delay. In plain terms, happening right now with no delay, or being the closest/most direct one in a relationship.
How do you pronounce “immediate”?
“Immediate” is pronounced ih-MEE-deert (/ɪˈmi.di.ɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “immediate” in a sentence?
Here is “immediate” used in a sentence: “The company issued an immediate apology after the incident.”
What is another word for “immediate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “immediate” include present and nearby.
What part of speech is “immediate”?
“Immediate” is an adjective.
Where does the word “immediate” come from?
The word “immediate” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin immediatus, meaning "without anything in between," from in- plus mediatus, from medius ("middle").
Is “immediate” a common word?
“Immediate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “immediate” have?
“Immediate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: happening or done right away, without delay.
What is the difference between immediate and instant?
Both mean without delay, and they often overlap. Instant stresses that something happens in a single moment, as with instant coffee or an instant reply. Immediate stresses that nothing comes between cause and response — an immediate reaction follows at once. Immediate can also mean nearest, as in immediate family.
Does "immediate" only refer to time?
No. Besides meaning right away, immediate can mean closest or most direct. Your immediate family are your nearest relatives, and your immediate surroundings are those right around you. In these senses it describes nearness in relationship or space rather than speed in time, though the two uses share a root.
What is an example of immediate?
An immediate response is one given at once, with no waiting. A doctor might order immediate treatment in an emergency, or a manager may demand immediate action on a problem. Each example shows immediate meaning that something happens straight away, without any gap or delay.
What is the opposite of immediate?
When it refers to timing, the opposite is delayed, gradual, or eventual — something that does not happen at once. When it means nearest, as in immediate family, the opposite is distant or remote. The right antonym depends on whether you mean speed or closeness.
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