immediate
word
/ˌɪˈmiˌdiət/
i-MEE-dee-uht
/ɪmˈiːdɪət/
i-MEE-di-uht
Definition
Happening now or without delay. It can also mean very close in time, space, or importance.
Usage & Nuances
Common in formal and everyday English. Frequent patterns include 'immediate response', 'immediate danger', and 'immediate family'. Don't confuse it with 'instant': 'instant' often suggests something happens automatically or in a moment, while 'immediate' focuses on no delay or close relation.
Spanish: inmediato - urgentePortuguese (BR): imediato - urgentePortuguese (PT): imediato - urgenteChinese (Simplified): 立即的 - 紧急的Chinese (Traditional): 立即的 - 緊急的Hindi: तुरंत - तत्कालArabic: فوري - مباشرBengali: তাৎক্ষণিক - অবিলম্বে - নিকটবর্তীRussian: немедленный - непосредственныйJapanese: 即時の - 直接のVietnamese: ngay lập tức - gần kềKorean: 즉각적인 - 직접적인Turkish: derhal - hemen - yakınUrdu: فوری - بلا تاخیر - قریبIndonesian: segera - langsung
Example Sentences
The doctor gave him immediate help.
basic
This problem needs immediate attention.
basic
Our school is in the immediate area.
basic
I need an immediate answer—this can't wait until tomorrow.
natural
Her immediate family came to the wedding, but her cousins couldn't make it.
natural
There was no immediate reaction, so we thought the news hadn't sunk in yet.
natural