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

It said he had reiterated that the war could end immediately should Hamas accept Israel's conditions, which include the release of all hostages.

From BBC

He was worried he would receive a penalty, but stewards immediately reviewed the incident and accepted there was nothing he could do.

From BBC

Struggling health and beauty chain Bodycare says it will immediately shut 32 of its stores across the UK and make 450 staff redundant, after going into administration.

From BBC

One day, I came to the dining room of my gracious place, and seated across from me was a woman who immediately struck me.

From Los Angeles Times

On Tuesday, she met with the Epstein survivors and was so overcome that she had a “panic attack,” according to reporter Don Lemon, who ran into her immediately after the meeting.

From Salon

Related Words

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