immediate

[ ih-mee-dee-it ]

adjective

1. occurring or accomplished without delay; instant:

   an immediate reply.

   Synonyms: instantaneous

   Antonyms: deferred, delayed

2. following or preceding without a lapse of time:

   the immediate future.

3. having no object or space intervening; nearest or next:

   in the immediate vicinity.

   Synonyms: proximate, close

   Antonyms: far, distant

4. of or relating to the present time or moment:

   our immediate plans.

5. without intervening medium or agent; direct:

   an immediate cause.

6. having a direct bearing:

   immediate consideration.

7. being family members who are very closely related to oneself, usually including one’s parents, siblings, spouse, and children:

   my immediate family;

   her immediate kin;

   his immediate relatives.

8. Philosophy. directly intuited.

immediate

/ ɪˈmiːdɪət /

adjective

1. taking place or accomplished without delay

   an immediate reaction

2. closest or most direct in effect or relationship

   the immediate cause of his downfall

3. having no intervening medium; direct in effect

   an immediate influence

4. contiguous in space, time, or relationship

   our immediate neighbour

5. present; current

   the immediate problem is food

6. philosophy of or relating to an object or concept that is directly known or intuited
7. logic (of an inference) deriving its conclusion from a single premise, esp by conversion or obversion of a categorial statement

Derived Forms

• imˈmediacy, noun

Other Words From

• im·me·di·ate·ness noun
• im·me·di·ate·ly adverb
• qua·si-im·me·di·ate adjective
• un·im·me·di·ate adjective
• un·im·me·di·ate·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of immediate¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Medieval Latin immediātus; im- ², mediate (adjective)

Word History and Origins

Origin of immediate¹

C16: from Medieval Latin immediātus, from Latin im- (not) + mediāre to be in the middle; see mediate

Example Sentences

South Africa have an immediate and emotional connection to their own nation.

From BBC

If the most immediate area requiring improvement is readily apparent, the bigger picture remains Ireland's transition from a team for today into one built for tomorrow.

From BBC

Previously a component could usually interact only with its immediate neighbors.

From Science Daily

A romantic cave sequence splits the difference between mythic mystery and more immediate pleasures, a complex moment that the Roberto Rossellini of “Voyage to Italy” would have been proud to sign.

From Los Angeles Times

DAFs allow donors to contribute assets, receive an immediate tax deduction and recommend grants to their favorite nonprofits over time.

From Salon

Related Words

• actual
• prompt
• urgent