WordGarden.ioimmediately
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪmˈiːdɪətli/
US
- /ˌɪˈmiˌdiətli/
Meanings
Adverb
at once, without delay
directly before or after in time
directly next to or connected with nothing intervening
Beyond the definition
Imagine a chef perfecting a delicate sauce. If they add the final ingredient immediately after tasting it, they do it with no pause, right then and there. "Immediately" means happening at once, with no delay between one thing and the next. It is more urgent than "soon" or "eventually." You might be told to leave immediately if you misbehave, or a doctor might need help immediately during an emergency. The word emphasizes speed and no hesitation. Think of it as the fastest possible response.
"Immediately" describes something happening without any delay: right now, instantly, at once. It is more than just quick; it implies urgency and a complete absence of waiting time. While "soon" suggests something will happen in the near future, and "eventually" means it will happen at some point, immediately leaves no room for postponement.
You might hear it used in instructions, as in "Respond to this email immediately," or in descriptions of reactions, as in "She burst into tears immediately after hearing the news." It is often found in emergency situations where swift action is crucial: "Call 911 immediately!"
The word can also emphasize a direct consequence. For example, "He regretted his decision immediately" means he felt remorse as soon as he made it. It is a powerful word that conveys both speed and decisiveness. Think of a reflex, an involuntary action happening immediately in response to a stimulus.
So, if something happens without any hesitation or delay, occurring at that exact moment, it happened immediately. It is the fastest possible timeframe for an event to unfold.
Examples
- 1
Medical urgency
Please call me immediately if the pain gets worse.
- 2
Recognition
She recognized him immediately when he walked into the room.
- 3
Emergency response
The fire alarm went off, and everyone left the building immediately.
- 4
Instant realization
I knew immediately that something was wrong.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Time sequence
Immediately after lunch, we went back to work.
- 6
First impression
The answer wasn't immediately obvious.
- Phrasenot immediately obvious
not clear at first
- 7
Service promise
I'll be with you immediately.
- Phrasebe with you immediately
help you very soon
- 8
Official rule
The new rule takes effect immediately.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- immediatelyadverb