Words / B1

i-MEED-ee-uh-t/ɪˈmiːdiət/

Immediate means happening now without delay, or nearest: immediate repair; the immediate area; immediate family. Immediately is the adverb (already in the dictionary). Instant is a close twin for speed; urgent stresses need. Leaks: immediate repair before the next clinic.

Meaning

Happening now, without delay; also nearest (the immediate area).

Examples

• “The leak needed immediate repair before the next clinic.”
• “Only immediate family may wait in the bay, which is the “nearest” sense.”

Good to know

immediate action / repair / family / area. Adverb: immediately. Close (speed): instant. Need: urgent. NHS / estates. Not “soon-ish”.

Near in meaning

instant

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