A2adverb1K

Immediately

UK /["/ɪˈmiːdiətli/"]/US /["/ɪˈmiːdiətli/"]/

Definition

without delay

In simple words: right away, without waiting

Examples

  • He answered the question immediately after it was asked.
  • Please call me immediately if there's any problem.
  • The train leaves immediately, so hurry up!
  • She knew immediately that something was wrong.
  • Immediately after dinner, we went for a walk.

Usage notes

Use 'immediately' to emphasize urgency or promptness. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, but avoid in very casual contexts.

Grammar pattern

immediately + verb

Memory hint

Imagine you're in a meeting and someone says, 'We need this done immediately!'—think of rushing to get it done.

Collocations

  • respond immediately
  • act immediately
  • notify immediately

Synonyms

  • at once

Antonyms

  • eventually
  • later

Common mistakes

  • Using 'immediate' instead of 'immediately'.
  • Confusing with 'eventually', which means later.
  • Incorrectly placing 'immediately' at the end of a sentence.