immediately — English Dictionary

Adverb

1. In an immediate manner; instantly or without delay.

   Usage

   • not-comparable

   Examples

   I hope we can begin immediately.

   More examples (1)

   His unruly hair was slicked down with water, and as Jessamy introduced him to Miss Brindle his face assumed a cherubic innocence which would immediately have aroused the suspicions of anyone who knew him.

   Spain failed to move through the gears despite exerting control for lengthy spells and a measure of perspective must be applied immediately to the outcome.

   More examples (1)

   Because the body was already burned beyond recognition, detectives were not able to immediately determine its gender or identity.

2. Without any intervening time or space.

   Usage

   • not-comparable

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   A tri-tone chime whistle, operated from the cab by a flexible cable passing down the right hand handrail, is mounted on the top of the smokebox immediately behind the chimney.

Conjunction

1. As soon as, the moment that.

   Synonyms

   once

   Examples

   Near-synonym: once

   My dog is an open book: immediately he smelled our dinner, he grew more interested in our activities.

   More examples (2)

   Immediately he saw the firm, he realised what he could do.

   Immediately you transact on the Redemption and stop the impertinence of debate, God gives you the witness.

Adverb

1. without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

   Synonyms

   instantlystraightawaystraight offdirectlynowright awayat onceforthwithlike a shot

   Examples

   he answered immediately

   found an answer straightaway

   More examples (2)

   an official accused of dishonesty should be suspended forthwith

   Come here now!

2. near or close by

   Examples

   he passed immediately behind her

3. bearing an immediate relation

   Examples

   this immediately concerns your future