immediately
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ɪˈmiːdiətli/
KK: /ɪˈmiːdiətli/
adverb
Definition
Without waiting; happening right away or at once.
Example
She answered the phone immediately when it rang.
Conversation
Did you hear back from the job interview yet?
Not yet, but I hope they contact me immediately.
Yeah, waiting is the hardest part sometimes.
For sure! I just want to know their decision as soon as possible.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
instantly
promptly
directly
Antonyms
eventually
slowly
later
conjunction
Definition
Without any delay; at once or right away.
Example
She answered the question immediately after it was asked.
Conversation
Did you hear back about the job application?
Not yet, but I hope they respond immediately.
Yeah, I want to know if I should prepare for an interview soon.
Root Explanation
Immediately → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "medius" (meaning middle) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner). The word "immediately" means not in the middle, or without delay, indicating something happening right away.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not in the middle' — when something happens immediately, it means it occurs without any delay.
Visually Confused Words
mediately
unimmediate
intermediately