im ‧ me ‧ di ‧ ate S3 W2 /ɪˈmiːdiət/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Late Latin ; Origin: immediatus , from mediatus 'in between, separated' ]
1 . happening or done at once and without delay:
Our immediate response to the attack was sheer horror.
They promise immediate action to help the unemployed.
If the eyes are affected, seek immediate medical attention.
2 . [only before noun] existing now, and needing to be dealt with quickly:
Let’s try and solve the most immediate problem.
There is an immediate danger of war.
3 . [only before noun] happening just before or just after someone or something else:
The most immediate effect of retirement is a dramatic reduction in living standards.
He promised that there would be no tax increases in the immediate future.
4 . [only before noun] next to, or very near to, a particular place:
It is a thriving shopping centre for the people who live in the immediate area.
5 . immediate family people who are very closely related to you, such as your parents, children, brothers, and sisters