What does immediate mean?
Immediate describes something that happens, exists, or takes effect without delay. It is especially common in announcements, instructions, and reports, as in “take immediate action” or “the results are available for immediate use.” The word can also indicate a close or direct relationship: “immediate family” means close relatives, while “the immediate vicinity” means the surrounding area. In these contexts, immediacy refers to closeness in time, space, or relation rather than speed alone. Immediate often has an authoritative or urgent tone, suggesting that delay is unacceptable. Its adverb form, immediately, is used even more broadly, both for describing prompt action and for emphasizing proximity, as in “the problem occurs immediately after installation.” The word is understood throughout British and American English.
adjectiveHappening or existing without delay; done at once. Also, existing in the closest or most immediate relation to something.
- Happening or taking place at once, without delay.
- Existing or taking effect as soon as possible.
- Very close or direct in relation to someone or something.
- Not allowing delay; requiring prompt attention.
"The warning had an immediate effect, and the room fell silent."
"The company promised an immediate response to the complaint."
"Immediate family members were informed of the change first."
Immediate comes from Latin for “unmediated”: something with nothing standing between it and its occurrence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does immediate come from?
Immediate entered English in the early 16th century from French immédiat, which came from Latin immediatus, meaning “unmediated” or “without anything between.” Latin immediatus was formed with the prefix in- and medius, meaning “middle,” literally expressing the idea of being unmediated. English subsequently developed forms such as immediately and immediacy from the same source, while related words including mediate and intermediate preserve the Latin root medius.
Related word forms
How immediate is actually used
Common in formal and informal English. When describing close personal or family relationships, it emphasizes proximity or priority rather than urgency.
Easily confused with immediate
Immediate means happening without delay or existing at once, whereas imminent means about to happen.