immediacy

[ ih-mee-dee-uh-see ]

noun

, plural im·me·di·a·cies.

1. the state, condition, or quality of being immediate.
2. Often immediacies. an immediate need:

   the immediacies of everyday living.

3. Philosophy.
   1. immediate presence of an object of knowledge to the mind, without any distortions, inferences, or interpretations, and without involvement of any intermediate agencies.
   2. the direct content of the mind as distinguished from representation or cognition.

Word History and Origins

Origin of immediacy¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; immedi(ate) + -acy

Example Sentences

From my seat in the balcony there was a refined presence to his tone and a sharp immediacy to every section in the orchestra.

From Los Angeles Times

She marshals the allure and immediacy of Instagram and TikTok with ease.

From Los Angeles Times

Although the mutiny was nearly over when Beato arrived, he photographed its aftermath with a focus on capturing the immediacy of events.

From BBC

My favorite thing to do as an actor is to create real danger and fear and immediacy on the set.

From Los Angeles Times

For all the horrifying immediacy of the war consuming the north, this was as close as Asmaa ever came to meeting an Israeli soldier.

From BBC

Related Words

• closeness