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A1 noun #1,977 am häufigsten 10 Min. Lesezeit

immediate

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At the A1 level, 'immediate' is a word you use to talk about things happening 'right now'. It is like a more formal version of the word 'now'. You might hear it when someone says 'immediate help' or 'immediate family'. For a beginner, the most important thing to know is that 'immediate' means there is no waiting. If you see a sign that says 'Immediate Departure', it means the bus is leaving at this moment. If a teacher asks for an 'immediate answer', they want you to speak quickly. You can also use it to talk about the people closest to you, like your mom, dad, and siblings. This is your 'immediate family'. It is a very useful word for describing things that are very close to you in time or in your house. Just remember to put it before the noun, like 'immediate action'.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'immediate' used in more specific ways, especially regarding your surroundings and your work. You might learn the phrase 'immediate vicinity', which means the area right around where you are standing. For example, 'There is no park in the immediate vicinity of my house.' This is more precise than saying 'near my house'. You also use it in professional contexts to describe your 'immediate supervisor'—the person who is your direct boss. This is an important distinction as you learn about workplace vocabulary. You should also be able to distinguish between 'immediate' (the adjective) and 'immediately' (the adverb). At this level, you are building the foundation to use this word in simple sentences about your daily life, your job, and your physical environment, focusing on the lack of any gap between two things.

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For B1 learners, 'immediate' becomes a tool for describing cause and effect and planning. You will use it to discuss the 'immediate future', which refers to events happening in the next few days or weeks. This helps you distinguish between short-term and long-term goals. You will also encounter it in news reports and articles describing 'immediate causes' of events. For instance, if a company's stock price drops, the 'immediate cause' might be a bad earnings report. At this level, you should feel comfortable using 'immediate' to add urgency and precision to your writing. You are moving beyond simple 'now' and starting to use the word to describe logical connections. You might also see it in more complex phrases like 'immediate gratification', which is a common topic in discussions about psychology and modern life.

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At the B2 level, you should master the nuances of 'immediate' in various registers. You will use it in formal essays to describe 'immediate consequences' or 'immediate impact'. You understand that 'immediate' can describe something that is unmediated—meaning there is nothing else in between. In literature or media studies, you might discuss the 'immediacy' of a first-person narrative. You are also expected to use collocations correctly, such as 'immediate attention', 'immediate priority', and 'immediate surroundings'. You can use the word to contrast with 'remote' or 'distant'. For example, you might analyze the 'immediate' vs. 'distal' causes of a historical event. Your vocabulary is now sophisticated enough to use 'immediate' to define the scope of an argument or the boundaries of a specific physical or social space.

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C1 learners use 'immediate' to discuss abstract concepts and philosophical ideas. You might explore the 'immediate experience' of reality, which is the raw data of our senses before it is interpreted by thought. In this context, 'immediate' means 'not processed' or 'direct'. You will also use it in complex professional environments to describe 'immediate subordinates' or 'immediate predecessors'. You understand the subtle difference between 'immediate' and 'instantaneous' or 'proximate'. Your usage of the word is precise and varied, appearing in academic papers, legal documents, and high-level business negotiations. You can use 'immediate' to describe the structural closeness of elements in a system, such as 'immediate constituents' in linguistics. At this level, the word is a precise instrument for defining relationships and temporal states with high accuracy.

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At the C2 level, 'immediate' is used with total native-like fluency, including its use in highly specialized fields. You might use it in legal contexts to discuss 'immediate cause' (proximate cause) in liability cases, or in philosophy to discuss 'immediate knowledge'—knowledge that does not require inference. You are aware of the word's history and its Latin roots ('immediatus', meaning 'without anything in between'). You can use it to create rhetorical effects, emphasizing the directness and urgency of a situation. You understand the 'immediacy' of certain art forms or digital media. Your command of the word allows you to use it in any context, from the most casual conversation to the most rigorous academic discourse, always choosing the perfect collocation and tone. You recognize that 'immediate' is not just about speed, but about the fundamental nature of a direct connection.

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Immediate refers to something happening right now without any delay, often used in emergencies or professional requests for speed.
It describes physical proximity, referring to the area or objects that are closest to a person at a given moment.
In social terms, it identifies the closest circle of relatives, known as the 'immediate family', excluding more distant kin.
It is a formal adjective that adds a sense of urgency and directness to communication, distinguishing direct causes from indirect ones.

The word immediate is a versatile term that primarily functions as an adjective, though it describes a state of being that is direct and without any intervening time or space. At its core, it signifies that something is happening right now. When we speak of an immediate reaction, we are describing a response that occurs the very second a stimulus is presented. This lack of delay is the most common usage of the word in daily conversation. However, the meaning expands beyond just time. It also covers physical proximity and relationship structures. For instance, your immediate surroundings are the things you can touch or see right next to you, not the things in the next room or the next town. In a social context, your immediate family refers to your closest relatives, like parents and siblings, excluding cousins or distant aunts.

Temporal Immediacy: Refers to events happening without delay. If a boss asks for an immediate report, they want it now, not in an hour. This sense is crucial in emergency situations where 'immediate action' is the difference between safety and danger.

The doctor said the patient needs immediate surgery to save his life.

Beyond time, the word 'immediate' describes a direct connection. In logic or science, an immediate cause is the one that directly produces an effect without any other steps in between. If you push a glass and it falls, your push is the immediate cause. This distinction is vital in academic writing where researchers must distinguish between primary (immediate) factors and secondary (distant) factors. In the realm of psychology, 'immediate' often refers to the sensory data we perceive right now before our brains process it into complex thoughts. This is sometimes called 'immediate experience'.

Spatial Immediacy: Describes things that are physically closest to a point of reference. Your immediate vicinity includes the air you breathe and the chair you sit on.

Please clear the immediate area so the firemen can work.

In business and professional settings, 'immediate' takes on a tone of urgency and priority. An 'immediate supervisor' is the person you report to directly, the one who manages your daily tasks. When a company faces an 'immediate threat', it means a problem that is currently affecting them or will do so very shortly. Understanding this word helps learners navigate high-pressure environments where time-sensitive communication is key. It is more formal than 'now' and more precise than 'soon'.

Relational Immediacy: Refers to the closest level of kinship. Your immediate family usually consists of parents, siblings, spouse, and children.

The invitation is for you and your immediate family only.

We have no immediate plans to move to a different city.

The results of the test were immediate and very surprising.

Using 'immediate' correctly requires an understanding of its placement as an adjective. It almost always precedes the noun it modifies. You would say 'immediate response' or 'immediate danger'. It is rarely used as a predicative adjective (after a verb like 'to be') unless you are describing a result or a feeling, such as 'The relief was immediate'. In most cases, it acts as a qualifier that adds a sense of 'now-ness' or 'closeness' to the subject. For A1 learners, the most important pattern to remember is [Immediate + Noun].

Collocation: Time: Commonly paired with: effect, result, future, response, action, attention. Example: 'This matter requires your immediate attention.'

The new law had an immediate impact on the economy.

When discussing relationships, 'immediate' is a technical term used in legal and social documents. If you are filling out a form for a visa or insurance, you might see the phrase 'immediate family'. In this context, it doesn't mean your family is fast; it means they are the first circle of your family tree. Similarly, in a corporate hierarchy, your 'immediate boss' or 'immediate superior' is the person who gives you orders directly. You don't skip them to talk to the CEO; they are your 'immediate' point of contact.

Collocation: Space: Commonly paired with: area, vicinity, surroundings, environment. Example: 'There are no shops in the immediate vicinity.'

The immediate cause of the fire was a short circuit.

In academic and formal writing, 'immediate' is used to define scope. Phrases like 'in the immediate future' refer to a period of time very close to the present, usually within days or weeks. This is more specific than 'soon', which can be vague. If a scientist says 'the immediate effect of the drug', they are looking at what happens minutes after administration, not years later. This precision is why 'immediate' is a favorite in technical documentation and news reporting.

Collocation: Professional: Commonly paired with: supervisor, superior, predecessor, successor. Example: 'My immediate supervisor approved my vacation.'

The company faces immediate financial problems.

There was an immediate change in the weather.

You will encounter 'immediate' in various high-stakes environments. In the news, anchors often report on 'immediate threats' or 'immediate consequences' of political decisions. This usage highlights the urgency of the situation. In medical dramas or real hospitals, you'll hear doctors call for 'immediate assistance' or 'immediate surgery'. In these contexts, the word is synonymous with 'life-saving speed'. It is a word that demands attention and signals that the normal waiting period has been bypassed.

In the Workplace: 'We need an immediate solution to this software bug.' Here, it signals that the problem is stopping work and needs to be fixed before anything else.

The manager requested an immediate meeting with the staff.

In legal and administrative settings, 'immediate' is used to define boundaries. A 'notice of immediate termination' means a contract ends the moment the paper is handed over. In travel, an 'immediate departure' means the bus or plane is leaving right now. You might also hear it in weather reports: 'The immediate forecast calls for heavy rain'. This tells listeners to grab their umbrellas right away, rather than waiting for the evening. It is a word of the 'here and now'.

In Family Law: 'Benefits are extended to the employee and their immediate family.' This clarifies who is eligible for health insurance or perks.

The police took immediate action to close the road.

In social media and digital communication, 'immediate' is often used in the context of 'immediate feedback'. When you post a photo and get likes instantly, that is immediate gratification. Gamers talk about 'immediate response times' regarding their controllers or internet connection. In these modern contexts, the word describes the seamless connection between an action and its result, a hallmark of our fast-paced digital age.

In Customer Service: 'Our goal is to provide immediate support to all our clients.' This is a promise of speed and efficiency.

The app gives immediate translations for over fifty languages.

There was no immediate danger to the public.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing the adjective 'immediate' with the adverb 'immediately'. Remember: 'immediate' describes a thing (noun), while 'immediately' describes an action (verb). You cannot say 'I need to go immediate'; it must be 'I need to go immediately'. Conversely, you wouldn't say 'This is an immediately problem'; it must be 'This is an immediate problem'. Keeping this distinction clear is the first step toward mastery.

Mistake: Adjective vs Adverb: Incorrect: 'He gave an immediately answer.' Correct: 'He gave an immediate answer.'

The immediate response was positive (Correct use as adjective).

Another common pitfall is using 'immediate' when you actually mean 'fast' or 'quick'. While they are related, 'immediate' specifically means 'without delay' or 'direct'. A 'fast car' is a car that can travel at high speeds. An 'immediate car' doesn't make sense unless you mean a car that is available right this second. Use 'immediate' for things that happen 'now' or are 'closest', not just things that move quickly.

Mistake: Confusion with 'Soon': 'Soon' implies a short wait. 'Immediate' implies zero wait. Don't use 'immediate' if there is a 10-minute delay.

We need immediate results, not results next week.

Learners also struggle with the spatial meaning. If someone says 'the immediate vicinity', they mean the area right around you. Some learners use 'immediate' to mean 'local', but 'local' can cover a whole town, while 'immediate' is much smaller—usually just the street or the building you are in. Being precise with these nuances will make your English sound much more natural and advanced.

Mistake: Overusing 'Immediate': Don't use it for every small thing. If you ask for an 'immediate coffee', you sound very demanding and rude!

There are no immediate plans to change the system.

The immediate surroundings were very quiet.

Understanding 'immediate' is easier when you compare it to its synonyms. 'Instant' is perhaps the closest synonym, often used for things like 'instant coffee' or 'instant messaging'. While 'immediate' and 'instant' both mean 'now', 'immediate' often feels more formal and is used more in professional or legal contexts. 'Instant' is more common in consumer products and casual technology. 'Prompt' is another related word, but it implies 'on time' or 'without being late', rather than 'right this second'.

Immediate vs Instant: 'Immediate' focuses on the lack of delay or distance. 'Instant' focuses on the speed of the occurrence. You have an 'immediate supervisor', but 'instant' wouldn't work there.

The immediate effect was a drop in temperature.

'Direct' is another word often confused with 'immediate'. In terms of relationships, they are very similar. Your 'direct boss' is your 'immediate boss'. However, 'direct' is used more for paths and communication (a direct flight), while 'immediate' is used more for time and proximity. 'Urgent' is also related, but 'urgent' describes the *need* for speed, while 'immediate' describes the speed itself. An urgent task requires an immediate response.

Immediate vs Prompt: 'Prompt' means doing something quickly and at the right time. 'Immediate' means doing it now. A prompt reply might come in an hour; an immediate reply comes now.

The immediate successor to the throne was his eldest son.

Finally, consider 'proximate'. This is a very formal, often legal or scientific term that is almost identical to 'immediate' in the sense of being 'closest'. However, you will rarely hear 'proximate' in daily life. If you want to sound natural, stick with 'immediate'. By comparing these words, you can see that 'immediate' sits in the middle—formal enough for work, but common enough for home.

Immediate vs Sudden: 'Sudden' means unexpected. 'Immediate' means without delay. A sudden storm can have an immediate impact.

We need to find an immediate replacement for the broken part.

The immediate future looks very bright for the company.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective placement before nouns

Adverb formation with -ly

Linking verbs (The result was immediate)

Collocations with 'vicinity'

Compound nouns (immediate family)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

I need an immediate answer.

I need an answer right now.

Adjective 'immediate' modifies the noun 'answer'.

He is my immediate brother.

He is my closest brother (not a cousin).

Used to show close family relationship.

The bus makes an immediate stop.

The bus stops right now.

Describes a stop without delay.

Is there a phone in the immediate area?

Is there a phone very close to here?

Refers to physical closeness.

She felt immediate joy.

She felt happy right away.

Describes a feeling that happens instantly.

Please give me immediate help.

Help me now.

Used to show urgency.

The food had an immediate effect.

The food made me feel better right away.

Describes a result with no delay.

My immediate family is small.

My closest family (parents, siblings) is small.

Common phrase for close relatives.

There are no shops in the immediate vicinity.

There are no shops very close to this place.

'Vicinity' is a common noun paired with 'immediate'.

My immediate supervisor is very kind.

My direct boss is nice.

Refers to the person directly above you in a job.

The doctor needs an immediate report.

The doctor wants the report now.

Used in professional/medical contexts.

We saw an immediate improvement in his grades.

His grades got better right away.

Describes a quick change.

The immediate danger has passed.

The danger that was right here is gone.

Used to describe a threat that was present.

I have no immediate plans to travel.

I don't plan to travel very soon.

'Immediate plans' refers to the near future.

The medicine provides immediate relief.

The medicine stops the pain now.

Common in medical/health contexts.

The police took immediate action.

The police did something right away.

Shows quick response to a situation.

The immediate cause of the accident was the rain.

The direct reason for the crash was the rain.

Distinguishes between direct and indirect causes.

We must consider the immediate future of the company.

We must think about what will happen very soon.

Refers to the short-term outlook.

The app gives you immediate feedback on your progress.

The app tells you how you are doing right away.

Common in technology and learning contexts.

There was an immediate reaction to the news.

People responded to the news instantly.

Describes a collective response.

He is my immediate predecessor in this job.

He had this job right before me.

Refers to the person who came before.

The problem requires your immediate attention.

You need to look at this problem now.

A formal way to say something is urgent.

The immediate surroundings were beautiful.

The area right around us was pretty.

Describes the environment close by.

She is looking for immediate gratification.

She wants to feel happy right now.

A psychological term for wanting rewards now.

The immediate impact of the policy was a rise in prices.

The policy caused prices to go up straight away.

Analyzes the direct result of an action.

Only immediate family members were invited to the funeral.

Only the closest relatives could attend.

A standard phrase in social/legal contexts.

The witness provided an immediate account of the event.

The witness told what happened right after it occurred.

Implies the memory was fresh.

We need to address the immediate needs of the refugees.

We must help the refugees with what they need right now.

Contrasts with long-term needs.

The software update had an immediate effect on performance.

The update changed how the computer worked instantly.

Used in technical descriptions.

The immediate vicinity of the volcano was evacuated.

The area right next to the volcano was cleared.

Used in safety and geographical contexts.

There is no immediate prospect of a peace treaty.

It doesn't look like there will be peace very soon.

Refers to the likelihood of something happening soon.

His immediate reaction was one of disbelief.

His first thought was that it wasn't true.

Describes the very first response.

The immediate experience of the sublime can be overwhelming.

The direct feeling of greatness is very strong.

Philosophical use meaning 'unmediated'.

We must distinguish between the immediate and distal causes of the war.

We must see the direct and indirect reasons for the war.

Academic terminology for causation.

The poem has a sense of startling immediacy.

The poem feels very direct and present.

Noun form 'immediacy' used to describe quality.

The immediate constituents of the sentence are the subject and the predicate.

The main parts of the sentence are these two.

Linguistic term for direct components.

The decision had immediate implications for international trade.

The choice affected trade right away in many ways.

Describes complex, direct consequences.

She is my immediate superior in the corporate hierarchy.

She is the person I report to directly.

Formal workplace terminology.

The patient showed an immediate response to the stimuli.

The patient reacted to the test right away.

Scientific/medical observation.

There are no immediate plans for a successor to the CEO.

They haven't chosen a new boss yet.

Refers to the current planning stage.

The immediacy of the digital age has altered our perception of time.

The 'right now' nature of technology changed how we see time.

Sociological analysis of the concept.

In phenomenology, we study the immediate data of consciousness.

We study what the mind sees directly.

Highly specialized philosophical usage.

The immediate cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest.

The direct reason he died was his heart stopped.

Formal forensic/medical reporting.

The artist sought to capture the immediate essence of the landscape.

The painter wanted to show the direct feeling of the place.

Aesthetic description of directness.

The treaty provided for the immediate cessation of hostilities.

The agreement said the fighting must stop now.

Formal diplomatic language.

He lacks the immediate context to understand the joke.

He doesn't know what is happening right now to get the joke.

Refers to the surrounding circumstances.

The immediate successor to the Ming dynasty was the Qing.

The Qing came right after the Ming.

Historical chronological usage.

The project’s immediate goal is to stabilize the structure.

The first thing we must do is make it safe.

Defines the primary objective.

Synonyme

instant prompt direct nearby current sudden

Gegenteile

delayed distant future

Häufige Kollokationen

immediate attention

immediate effect

immediate family

immediate future

immediate vicinity

immediate supervisor

immediate response

immediate action

immediate danger

immediate priority

Häufige Phrasen

in the immediate future

immediate family only

take immediate action

immediate vicinity of

require immediate attention

immediate superior

immediate effect

no immediate plans

immediate cause

immediate reaction

Wird oft verwechselt mit

immediate vs immediately (adverb)

immediate vs instant (synonym with different nuances)

immediate vs soon (vague time vs. no delay)

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"immediate gratification"

"the immediate circle"

"immediate past"

"immediate surroundings"

"immediate successor"

"immediate predecessor"

"immediate concern"

"immediate threat"

"immediate needs"

"immediate result"

Leicht verwechselbar

immediate vs Immediately

Immediately is an adverb (He left immediately). Immediate is an adjective (He took immediate action).

immediate vs Instant

Instant is often used for products (instant coffee). Immediate is used for people and situations (immediate boss).

Satzmuster

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So verwendest du es

note 1

In legal terms, 'immediate' can sometimes mean 'within a reasonable time' depending on the jurisdiction.

note 2

The phrase 'immediate future' usually means within the next few days.

Häufige Fehler

You need an adverb to describe the verb 'go'.
You need an adjective to describe the noun 'boss'.
'Immediate' refers to delay or distance, not speed of movement.
'Immediate family' is usually just parents, siblings, spouse, and children.
'Immediate' needs a noun to follow it.

Tipps

Adjective vs Adverb

Always check if you are describing a thing or an action. Use 'immediate' for things and 'immediately' for actions. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Use with Vicinity

Learn the phrase 'immediate vicinity'. It is a very common and professional way to describe the area right around you. It sounds much better than 'near here' in a report.

Workplace Urgency

When you need something done fast at work, use 'immediate attention'. It sounds serious and professional without being as rude as saying 'Do it now!'

Family Circles

Remember that 'immediate family' is a fixed phrase. Use it when talking about insurance, travel, or formal invitations to clarify who is invited.

Cause and Effect

In essays, use 'immediate cause' to talk about the most direct reason something happened. It shows you understand the difference between direct and indirect factors.

Pronunciation

Don't say 'im-me-di-ATE' like the past tense of eat. Say 'im-me-di-UT'. The soft ending is key to sounding like a native speaker.

Context Clues

If you hear 'immediate' in a news report, get ready for urgent information. It usually precedes words like 'threat', 'danger', or 'crisis'.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'immediate' for everything. If everything is 'immediate', then nothing feels urgent. Save it for things that truly have no delay.

The 'No Middle' Rule

Think of the Latin root: 'not mediated'. There is nothing in the middle. No time in the middle, no space in the middle, no people in the middle.

Future Tense

When you read 'in the immediate future', think 'this week'. It is a very common way for businesses to talk about their next steps.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

IM-ME-DI-ATE: I'm Me, Doing It At This Era (now).

Wortherkunft

Latin

Kultureller Kontext

'Immediate family' has specific legal definitions for leave and benefits.

Using 'immediate' can sound demanding; use with 'please' to remain polite.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"What is your immediate priority for today?"

"Who is in your immediate family?"

"Do you have any immediate plans for the weekend?"

"What was your immediate reaction to the news?"

"Is there a good restaurant in the immediate vicinity?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe your immediate surroundings in detail.

Write about a time you had to take immediate action.

How does the need for immediate gratification affect your life?

List the members of your immediate family and one thing you love about them.

What are your immediate goals for learning English?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, 'immediate' is primarily an adjective. However, in very rare philosophical or literary contexts, people might talk about 'the immediate', but this is not common in daily English. You should almost always use it as an adjective to describe a noun, like 'immediate family' or 'immediate response'.

'Immediate' means right now, with zero delay. 'Soon' means in a short time, but there could be a wait of minutes, hours, or even days. If you say 'I will do it soon', you might wait an hour. If you say 'I will take immediate action', you are starting right this second.

In most English-speaking contexts, 'immediate family' includes your parents, your siblings (brothers and sisters), your spouse (husband or wife), and your children. It usually does not include cousins, aunts, uncles, or grandparents unless they are specifically mentioned or live in your house.

No, that is grammatically incorrect. You should say 'I need it immediately' because you are describing the action of needing or getting. Alternatively, you can say 'I need an immediate delivery' where 'immediate' describes the noun 'delivery'.

It means the area that is very close to a specific point. If you are standing in a park, the 'immediate vicinity' is the grass and trees right around you. It is a more formal way of saying 'right around here' or 'nearby'.

Yes, 'immediate' is slightly more formal than 'now' or 'quick'. It is very common in business, medicine, and legal documents. Using it correctly can make your English sound more professional and precise, especially in written communication.

The most common opposites are 'delayed', 'distant', or 'remote'. If a response is not immediate, it is delayed. If a relative is not in your immediate family, they are a distant relative. If a place is not in the immediate vicinity, it is remote.

It is pronounced /ɪˈmiːdiət/. The stress is on the second syllable 'ME'. The 'ate' at the end sounds like 'it' or 'ut', not like the word 'ate' (to eat). It sounds like 'im-ME-dee-ut'.

It doesn't usually describe a person's character (you wouldn't say 'He is an immediate person'). However, it describes a person's *position* relative to you, such as your 'immediate supervisor' or 'immediate neighbor'.

It is the desire to experience pleasure or fulfillment without delay. For example, eating a candy bar right now instead of waiting for a healthy dinner is seeking immediate gratification. It is a common phrase in psychology and self-improvement.

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