What is immediate? Pronunciation and usage in English

immediate means . Learn how to pronounce and use immediate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of immediate

immediateadjective

/ɪˈmiːdɪət//ɪˈmiːdʒət/
Definition & pronunciation of immediate

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "immediate." It's a tricky one for many English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

The most accurate phonetic transcription is: /ɪˈmɪdiət/

Let's break that down:

  • ɪ - Like the "i" in "bit" or "sit" (a short, quick "i" sound)
  • ˈ - This symbol indicates primary stress (emphasis). It falls on the first syllable.
  • mɪ - This is a diphthong – it's a blended sound. It starts like the "i" in "bit" and smoothly transitions to the "m" sound as you say it.
  • di - Like "dee"
  • ət - Like "at" (as in "cat")

2. How to Say It Step-by-Step:

  1. "I": Say the short "i" sound as in "bit".
  2. "Mee": Say "mee" – that blended "mi" sound. Focus on the smooth transition from the "i" to the "m."
  3. "Di": Say "dee"
  4. "At": Say "at" as in "cat".

3. Putting it together – A common, simplified way to say it:

Most people will say something like: "Ih-mid-ee-ayt" (emphasizing the "mid" part). While not perfectly phonetic, it gets you pretty close.

4. Key Points & Common Mistakes:

  • Stress: The stress must be on the first syllable ("im-"). Saying "im-di-ate" is a common mistake.
  • The "ee" sound in "immediate": Don't say "e-mid." It's the "ee" sound as in "see".
  • The "t" at the end: Make sure you clearly pronounce the "t" at the end - it’s not silent.

Resources for Hearing It:

To help me give you even more specific advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you having trouble with a particular part of the word? (e.g., the "ee" sound, the stress, the "t" at the end?)

Usage and examples with the word immediate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "immediate" in English. It's a versatile word with several related meanings. Here's a detailed explanation with examples:

1. Directly After or Present:

  • Meaning: This is the most common use. It means happening or existing right now, or very shortly after something else.
  • Examples:
    • "I need an immediate response to this email." (I need a response right now.)
    • "The doctor said the pain was immediate." (The pain started immediately.)
    • "We need to address this problem immediately." (We need to deal with it now.)
    • "She felt an immediate connection to the musician." (She felt it instantly.)

2. Closest in Time or Sequence:

  • Meaning: Relating to something that is nearest in time succession. It's about priority.
  • Examples:
    • "The immediate priority is to find a safe place to sleep." (The most important thing to do is find shelter.)
    • "The immediate consequences of his actions were severe." (The direct results were bad.)
    • "He has an immediate family – a wife and three children." (His closest family members are his wife and children.)

3. Relating to a Place (Often Used with "Area"):

  • Meaning: Located very close to something else; in a surrounding region.
  • Examples:
    • "The immediate area is under a flood warning." (The area around the location is at risk.)
    • "We need to consider the immediate surroundings before making a decision." (We need to look at what's nearby.)

4. (Less Common) Sudden and Sharp:

  • Meaning: Intense and forceful. (This usage is less frequent than the first two.)
  • Examples:
    • “He felt an immediate surge of anger.” (A sudden and strong feeling of anger.)

Key Points & Synonyms:

  • Adverbial Use: "Immediate" is almost always used as an adverb (describing how something happens or is situated).
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, you could use words like:
    • Immediate
    • Instant
    • Rapid
    • Current
    • Direct
    • Nearby
    • Urgent
    • Prompt

How to Choose the Right Meaning:

Think about the context of the sentence. Ask yourself:

  • Is it about timing (happening right now)?
  • Is it about priority (what's most important)?
  • Is it about location (nearby)?

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples tailored to a specific situation?
  • Help you practice using the word in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word immediate

Idioms of the word immediate

with immediate effect
(formal)starting now
  • She has resigned with immediate effect.

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