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immediately

i-MEE-dee-uht-lee/ɪˈmiːdi.ətli/

4 meanings of immediately

Practice

  1. 1
    at onceadverb
    Right away, with no waiting or delay.

    Like answering the second your name is called.

    She answered the phone immediately.

    Call me immediately if anything goes wrong.

    Similarinstantly, promptly, straightaway, directly, forthwith

    Oppositelater, eventually

  2. 2
    very nextadverb
    With nothing in between, in space or in time.

    Like two books touching on a shelf with nothing between them.

    The kitchen is immediately behind the dining room.

    Immediately after the speech, the crowd began to clap.

    UsagePut it before words like behind or after: immediately after lunch.

    Similardirectly, right, just

    Note
  3. 3
    conjunction
    At the very moment something happens, or as soon as it does.

    Like a light turning on the second you flip the switch.

    Immediately the bell rang, the students rushed outside.

    She called her mother immediately she heard the news.

    UsageMainly in British English, use it like as soon as: Immediately the bell rang, we ran out.

    Similaronce, when

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    adverb
    Directly, with nobody or nothing in between, often about who is in charge or who is affected.

    Only the families immediately affected by the new road were asked what they thought.

    Talk to the person immediately in charge of your team first.

    UsageOften before affected or in charge: the people immediately affected by the change.

    Similardirectly

    Oppositeindirectly

    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English immediatly, made from immediate plus -ly.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts