Definition of Immediately
Quick Meaning of Immediately
Right now; without any waiting or delay; at the present moment.
Detailed Definition of Immediately
At once; without delay; occurring instantly or with nothing between in time or space.
How to Pronounce Immediately
Stress pattern: oOoo (4-syllable word).
Tip: Four syllables: i-MEED-yut-lee. Stress on the second syllable. The final 'ly' is pronounced as a separate syllable.
Watch out: Sometimes compressed to three syllables (i-MEED-yut-lee becomes i-MEED-ly), dropping the middle syllable.
Origin and Etymology of Immediately
From immediate + -ly (adverb suffix), both from Latin immediatus.
How to Use Immediately in a Sentence
Each example shows “immediately” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“When the fire alarm rang, everyone left the building immediately.”
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“The doctor called us immediately after reviewing the test results.”
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“The storm arrived immediately after the weather warning was issued.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Immediately
Common Synonyms for Immediately
Smart Synonyms for Immediately — When to Use Each
- instantly
- for single moment with no time lapse
- right away
- for quick action in informal speech
Antonyms of Immediately
Common Collocations with Immediately
These phrases pair with “immediately” in everyday English:
- do immediately
- immediately after
- come immediately
- start immediately
- available immediately
Common Mistakes When Using Immediately
Even fluent speakers slip up with “immediately”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I will call you immediately when I arrive.
- ✓ Correct: I will call you immediately after I arrive or I will call you as soon as I arrive.
- Why: Use 'immediately after' or 'as soon as' to show the event that triggers the action; 'immediately when' is less precise.
- ✗ Wrong: The situation is immediately critical.
- ✓ Correct: The situation is immediately urgent or The situation is critically urgent.
- Why: Use adverbs like 'urgently' or adjectives like 'critical' for descriptions, not 'immediately' with other adjectives.
Words Confused With Immediately
- Immediately vs Immediate: Immediate is an adjective used before nouns; immediately is the adverb for modifying verbs or actions. Compare →
Other Forms of Immediately
- Noun: immediacy
- Adjective: immediate
- Adverb: immediately
Frequently Asked Questions About Immediately
What is the meaning of "Immediately"?
Right now; without any waiting or delay; at the present moment.
How do you pronounce "Immediately"?
The IPA is /ɪˈmiːdiətli/. Four syllables: i-MEED-yut-lee. Stress on the second syllable. The final 'ly' is pronounced as a separate syllable.
What part of speech is "Immediately"?
"Immediately" is an adverb at B1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Immediately"?
Common synonyms include instantly, at once, right away.
How do you use "Immediately" in a sentence?
For example: "When the fire alarm rang, everyone left the building immediately."