Words / A2

i-MEED-ee-uh-tlee/ɪˈmiːdiətli/

Immediately means at once, with no delay: leave immediately, immediately after the meeting, reply immediately. Straight away and at once are close everyday pairs; instantly can sound even faster. Immediate is the adjective: immediate action. Do not pile it with now (“now immediately”); one time word is enough.

Meaning

At once; without any delay.

Examples

• “Please call me immediately if you are late.”
• “The lights went out, and we left the building immediately.”
• “Please wash your hands immediately after cooking.”

Good to know

immediately + verb. immediately after + noun. Adjective: immediate.

Near in meaning

straight away

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