immediate

American  

[ih-mee-dee-it] / ɪˈmi di ɪt /

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.

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immediate British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of immediate

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

Example Sentences

Paris has rejected the accusations against him and called for Ryan's immediate release, insisting he is not linked to French intelligence and arguing he has been caught in the crossfire of diplomatic tensions.

From Barron's

Wilson emphasized that the work focuses on basic science rather than immediate applications.

From Science Daily

Newcastle Red Bulls head coach Alan Dickens is to leave the club with immediate effect.

From BBC

France previously described Ryan's detention as "arbitrary" and demanded his immediate release.

From BBC

“If it can demonstrate that, immediate and deep cuts are not needed,” he added.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• actual
• prompt
• urgent