immediate

[ih-mee-dee-it]

adjective

1. occurring or accomplished without delay; instant.

   an immediate reply.

   Synonyms: instantaneous
   Antonyms: deferred, delayed

2. following or preceding without a lapse of time.

   the immediate future.

3. having no object or space intervening; nearest or next.

   in the immediate vicinity.

   Synonyms: proximate, close
   Antonyms: far, distant

4. of or relating to the present time or moment.

   our immediate plans.

5. without intervening medium or agent; direct.

   an immediate cause.

6. having a direct bearing.

   immediate consideration.

7. being family members who are very closely related to oneself, usually including one’s parents, siblings, spouse, and children.

   my immediate family;

   her immediate kin;

   his immediate relatives.

8. Philosophy.,  directly intuited.

immediate

/ ɪˈmiːdɪət /

adjective

1. taking place or accomplished without delay

   an immediate reaction

2. closest or most direct in effect or relationship

   the immediate cause of his downfall

3. having no intervening medium; direct in effect

   an immediate influence

4. contiguous in space, time, or relationship

   our immediate neighbour

5. present; current

   the immediate problem is food

6. philosophy of or relating to an object or concept that is directly known or intuited

7. logic (of an inference) deriving its conclusion from a single premise, esp by conversion or obversion of a categorial statement

Other Word Forms

• immediateness noun
• immediately adverb
• quasi-immediate adjective
• unimmediate adjective
• unimmediateness noun
• immediacy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of immediate¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Medieval Latin immediātus; im- ², mediate (adjective)

Word History and Origins

Origin of immediate¹

C16: from Medieval Latin immediātus, from Latin _im- (not) + mediāre to be in the middle; see _mediate

Example Sentences

Many of them already knew each other and had an immediate confidence that the regular contestants don't.

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The groups behind the report urge Democrats to respond with equally “aggressive and immediate” measures.

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A spokesperson for the show said: "Following repeated use of unacceptable language and behaviour, George has been removed from the Big Brother House with immediate effect and will no longer participate in the programme."

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The study calls for immediate and coordinated action to reduce fire use, strengthen forest protection policies, and support local and Indigenous stewardship efforts.

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"We continue to work towards their safe and immediate release," he said.

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Related Words

• actual 
• prompt 
• urgent