immediate
UK: ɪˈmiːdiət | US: ɪˈmiːdiət
adj. occurring or done at once; instant
adj. nearest in time, space, or relationship
adj. directly concerning or relevant to the present
immediate = im<not> + medi<middle> + ate<adjective suffix>
- im<not>: From Latin in- (negation), meaning "not" or "without."
- medi<middle>: From Latin medius, meaning "middle" or "intermediate."
- ate<adjective suffix>: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating a state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word "immediate" originates from Latin immediatus, combining in- (not) + mediatus (intervening). It originally described something without any intervening space or time—literally "not in the middle." Over time, it evolved to emphasize directness (e.g., "immediate family") or urgency (e.g., "immediate action"). The logic reflects bypassing intermediate steps.
The doctor demanded immediate attention for the critical patient.
Her immediate response surprised everyone in the meeting.
The fire alarm requires immediate evacuation.
He is my immediate supervisor at work.
The effects of the medicine were almost immediate.