immediate

im-me-di-ate · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Occurring or done at once; instant.

  2. 2.

    Nearest in time, relationship, or rank.

  3. 3.

    Without any intervening medium, agent, or influence; direct.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    immediate family — closest relatives (parents, siblings, spouse, children)
  • •
    immediate future — the very near future
  • •
    for immediate release — to be published or announced right away
  • •
    immediate vicinity — the area very close by

Related words

Antonyms: delayed, distant, gradual
See also: immediately, instant, urgent
Synonyms: direct, instant, prompt

Etymology

From Late Latin immediatus ("without anything between"), from in- ("not") + mediatus ("placed in the middle"), from medius ("middle"). Entered English in the 15th century.