immediate

/ɪˈmiːdiət/
adjectiveIntermediate
general

happening or done without delay; instant

She made an immediate decision to leave the job.

She decided to quit her job right away without hesitation.

The immediate effect of the medicine was noticeable.

The medicine started working right after it was taken.

💡

Often used to describe actions or reactions that occur without any delay.

general

closest in time or space; nearest

The immediate cause of the accident was driver error.

The most direct reason for the accident was the driver's mistake.

His immediate family includes his parents and siblings.

His closest family members are his parents and siblings.

💡

Can refer to the most direct or nearest thing in time or space.

Collocations

immediate effectthe quick result of somethingimmediate familyparents, siblings, and sometimes spouse and childrenimmediate actionaction taken right away

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

immediate effectphrase
the quick result of something
immediate familyphrase
parents, siblings, and sometimes spouse and children
immediate actionphrase
action taken right away

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'immediate' to describe actions or reactions that happen right away or things that are the closest in time or space.

Gold Rule

Avoid Redundancy

Do not use 'immediate' with words like 'right away' or 'instantly' as they mean the same thing.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'immediatus', meaning 'not intervening', from 'in-' (not) + 'mediatus' (intervening). First recorded use in English in the late 14th century.

📝Usage Notes

Can be used as an adjective to describe something happening without delay or as a noun to refer to the most direct or nearest thing.

Word Breakdown

im-
not
prefix
+
-mediate
intervening
root
+
-ate
to make or do
suffix
English Dictionary