immediately

American  

[ih-mee-dee-it-lee] / ɪˈmi di ɪt li /

adverb

1. without lapse of time; without delay; instantly; at once.

   Please telephone him immediately.

   Synonyms:

   forthwith

   Antonyms:

   later

2. with no object or space intervening.

3. closely.

   immediately in the vicinity.

4. without intervening medium or agent; concerning or affecting directly.

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conjunction

1. Chiefly British. the moment that; as soon as.

immediately British  

/ ɪˈmiːdɪətlɪ /

adverb

1. without delay or intervention; at once; instantly

   it happened immediately

2. very closely or directly

   this immediately concerns you

3. near or close by

   he's somewhere immediately in this area

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conjunction

1. (subordinating) at the same time as; as soon as

   immediately he opened the door, there was a gust of wind

Related Words

Immediately, instantly, directly, presently were once close synonyms, all denoting complete absence of delay or any lapse of time. Immediately and instantly still almost always have that sense and usually mean at once: He got up immediately. She responded instantly to the request. Directly is usually equivalent to soon, in a little while rather than at once: You go ahead, we'll join you directly. Presently changes sense according to the tense of the verb with which it is used. With a present tense verb it usually means now, at the present time: The author presently lives in San Francisco. She is presently working on a new novel. In some contexts, especially those involving a contrast between the present and the near future, presently can mean soon or in a little while: She is at the office now but will be home presently.

Other Word Forms

• quasi-immediately adverb
• unimmediately adverb

Etymology

Origin of immediately

A late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; immediate, -ly

Example Sentences

Bass’ campaign team did not immediately respond to an inquiry about Pratt’s announcement.

From Los Angeles Times

Frey demanded that immigration officials leave the city immediately.

From The Wall Street Journal

The tech companies and lawyers for the families either didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment or declined to comment.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bud signs up for church wellness counseling and immediately falls in love with his mousy group leader.

From The Wall Street Journal

Justice Department didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• directly
• forthwith
• instantly
• promptly
• rapidly
• shortly
• soon
• urgently