immediately

[ih-mee-dee-it-lee]

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.

conjunction

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

immediately

/ 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

conjunction

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

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

Other Word Forms

• quasi-immediately adverb
• unimmediately adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of immediately¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

The 25-year-old, making only his second England appearance after a debut against the United States in the summer, looked immediately at home as he inserted himself into England's midfield debate.

Read more on BBC

Large-scale street protests broke out immediately, forcing him to quickly reverse course.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Both the Scottish and UK governments immediately announced plans for a taskforce to support workers, although UK ministers also said they would not offer financial support to keep the plant open.

Read more on BBC

An ICE representative did not immediately respond to an email Saturday seeking comment.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Once again Wales responded immediately, Edwards combining with Max Llewellyn to play Rogers in for his second try.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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