Immediate Meaning
/ɪˈmiː.dɪət/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjHappening right away, instantly, with no delay.
adjVery close; direct or adjacent.
Sentence Examples
We received an immediate answer to our letter.
The medicine had an immediate effect.
There is no immediate prospect of peace.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The patient's severe injury required ____ medical attention to prevent further harm.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
You need to seek ____ medical attention if you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction.
Word Origin & History
From Old French immediat (French immédiat), borrowed from Late Latin immediātus (“without in-between, moderation”), from Latin in + mediātus, perfect passive participle of mediō (“to halve, to be in the middle”) (see -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from medius (“middle”). By surface analysis, im- + mediate.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Assemble we immediate council."
— c. 1606–1607 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Anthonie and Cleopatra”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene iv]:
"When Timothy and Julia hurried up the staircase to the bedroom floor, where a considerable commotion was taking place, Tim took Barry Leach with him. He had him gripped firmly by the arm, since he felt it was not safe to let him loose, and he had no immediate idea what to do with him."
— 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 19, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC:
"You are the most immediate to our throne,"
— c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene ii]:
"So long as he concerns himself with immediate issues he is rewarded with influence, material success, and popularity with those who up to a point share his general outlook."
— 1949, F. A. Hayek, “The Intellectuals and Socialism”, in University of Chicago Law Review, volume 16, number 3, Chicago: University of Chicago, →DOI, page 429:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The patient's severe injury required ____ medical attention to prevent further harm.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
You need to seek ____ medical attention if you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction.