immediate

/i'mi:djət/

Thân thiện

The manager gave an immediate reply to the employee's question.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Happening or done without any delay: Refers to something that occurs or is carried out right away, with no waiting period.
   • Nearest in time, space, or relationship: Describes something that is closest or most direct, with nothing coming between.
   • Of the present time or moment: Pertaining to the current situation or the most recent past.

Usage

The word "immediate" is used to describe something that is direct, instant, or closest in connection. It is often placed before a noun. - Use it to describe a response or action that happens right away. - Use it to indicate the most direct cause, effect, or proximity. - Use it to refer to the current or most recent time frame.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The fire department demanded immediate evacuation of the building. (Happening without delay)
  • The immediate cause of the accident was a blown tire. (Most direct cause)
  • Her immediate family consists of her parents and siblings. (Closest in relationship)
  • In the immediate aftermath of the storm, the city was without power. (Most recent past)

Advanced Usage

• "Immediate concern": A pressing issue that requires urgent attention.
  • Finding shelter was their immediate concern after the earthquake.
• "Immediate vicinity": The area that is directly surrounding or very close by.
  • Police searched the immediate vicinity for clues.
• "With immediate effect": Starting right now, without any delay (formal/official).
  • The new policy comes into force with immediate effect.

Variants and Related Words

• Immediately (adverb): Without any delay; directly.
  • She left immediately after the call.
• Immediacy (noun): The quality of being immediate, in terms of urgency, directness, or closeness in time.
  • The immediacy of the threat required a swift response.

Synonyms

• Instant: Happening or produced at once.
• Direct: Without intervening factors; straightforward.
• Prompt: Done without delay; on time.
• Proximate: Very near or next in space, time, or relationship.

Antonyms

• Delayed: Happening at a later time than planned.
• Mediate: Connected through an intermediate agency; not direct.
• Gradual: Taking place or progressing slowly over time.

Related Phrases/Idioms

(Note: "Immediate" itself is not commonly used in idiomatic phrases. Its adverb form "immediately" is more frequent.) - "To take immediate action": To act right away without hesitation. - The doctor said we must take immediate action to treat the infection.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. performed with little or no delay
   • an immediate reply to my letter
   • a prompt reply
   • was quick to respond
   • a straightaway denial
2. immediately before or after as in a chain of cause and effect
   • the immediate result
   • the immediate cause of the trouble
3. having no intervening medium
   • an immediate influence
4. very close or connected in space or time
   • contiguous events
   • immediate contact
   • the immediate vicinity
   • the immediate past
5. of the present time and place
   • the immediate revisions

Từ đồng nghĩa

• prompt
• quick
• straightaway
• contiguous