Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Without any delay; instantly; at once: Refers to an action happening right after another event or command, with no intervening time.
   • Directly; with no intermediary or space in between: Indicates a direct connection, sequence, or proximity in space or logic.

Usage

• To indicate prompt action: Used to describe something done right away.
  • She called him immediately after hearing the news.
  • Please report to the office immediately.
• To indicate direct consequence or connection: Used to show that one thing follows directly from another.
  • The decision will immediately affect all employees.
  • He stood immediately behind me in the queue.
• To indicate close proximity: Used to mean "very close in space."
  • The pharmacy is immediately opposite the bank.

Examples

• Without delay:
  • The fire alarm sounded, and everyone evacuated immediately.
  • I recognized her voice immediately.
• Directly in sequence or connection:
  • Dinner will be served immediately following the ceremony.
  • This question is immediately relevant to our discussion.
• In close proximity:
  • He lives immediately next door to the school.

Advanced Usage

• "Immediately" as a conjunction (British English, formal): Meaning "as soon as."
  • I left immediately the clock struck five. (I left as soon as the clock struck five.)
• "Immediately" to emphasize directness: Often used in formal or written contexts to stress a direct link.
  • The manager is immediately responsible for the team's performance.

Variants and Related Words

• Immediate (adjective): Happening or done without delay; existing at the present time.
  • We need an immediate solution.
  • My immediate family includes my parents and siblings.
• Immediacy (noun): The quality of being immediate; instant occurrence.
  • The immediacy of the threat required quick action.

Synonyms

• Instantly: At once; immediately.
  • The app updates instantly.
• Directly: In a direct way; without anything in between.
  • She looked directly at me.
• Forthwith (formal): Immediately; without delay.
  • The court ordered the documents to be released forthwith.
• Straightaway: Immediately; at once.
  • He started working on it straightaway.
• Promptly: With little or no delay; exactly on time.
  • The meeting began promptly at nine.

Antonyms

• Eventually: In the end, especially after a long delay or series of problems.
• Later: At a time in the future; after the present time.
• Gradually: Slowly over a period of time.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Immediately apparent: Clearly visible or understood without needing to think.
  • The cause of the problem was not immediately apparent.
• To take effect immediately: To start being valid or operative right away.
  • The new law will take effect immediately.

Adverb

1. bearing an immediate relation
   • this immediately concerns your future
2. near or close by
   • he passed immediately behind her
3. without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
   • he answered immediately
   • found an answer straightaway
   • an official accused of dishonesty should be suspended forthwith
   • Come here now!