What is immediately? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of immediately

immediatelyadverb

/ɪˈmiːdɪətli//ɪˈmiːdʒətli/
Definition & pronunciation of immediately

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "immediately" in English. It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • i - as in "bit" (short 'i' sound)
  • m - as in "mom"
  • e - as in "bed" (short 'e' sound)
  • di - as in "did" (short 'i' sound)
  • rect - (This is the tricky part!) - Think of it as "direct" but with a slightly sharper 't' sound.
  • ly - as in "lovely" (this is a common suffix)

2. Putting it Together - The Most Common Pronunciation:

The most frequently used pronunciation is:

ih-MED-ee-uh-teh-ly

Let's break that down further:

  • ih - like the "i" in "bit"
  • MED - rhymes with "bed"
  • ee - as in "see"
  • teh - (This is crucial!) - This is a very short, almost clipped 't' sound. It's not a strong, forceful 't'. It's almost like a quick tap of the tongue.
  • ly - as in "lovely"

3. A Slightly More Traditional (But Less Common) Pronunciation:

Some people pronounce it with a more "formal" or slightly older sound:

ih-MED-ee-uh-mah-teh-ly

Notice the second 't' is pronounced more fully, but is still very short.

4. Key Tips for Getting it Right:

  • The "t" sound is the biggest challenge. Don't pronounce it strongly. It's a quick touch of the tongue. Think about saying "ed" but shortening it drastically.
  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: MED.
  • Don't over-pronounce: The word tends to be spoken relatively quickly, so don't linger on each syllable.

Resources to Help You Hear It:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/immediately/ - Listen to native speakers pronounce it.
  • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce immediately" on YouTube. You'll find many videos demonstrating the correct pronunciation.

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

  • Where are you from? (Regional accents can affect pronunciation.)
  • Are you trying to achieve a specific, formal pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word immediately in English

Let's break down how to use the word "immediately" in English. It's a fairly common word, but it's important to use it correctly to convey the right meaning.

1. Basic Meaning:

"Immediately" means "at the same time that something else happens" or “without any delay.” It stresses a sense of urgency and swiftness.

2. Common Uses & Examples:

  • Expressing a Direct Response:

    • "I saw the email, and I replied immediately." (You responded as soon as you saw it.)
    • "The doctor instructed me to take the medication immediately." (Take it right away.)
    • "When I heard the news, I called my family immediately." (I called them as soon as I knew.)

  • Describing Actions:

    • "Turn off the stove immediately – it’s smoking!" (Do it right now.)
    • “We need to evacuate the building immediately.” (Leave without hesitation.)
    • "He started working on the project immediately upon receiving the instructions.” (He began work right away.)

  • Following a Condition:

    • “If you see him, tell him to call me immediately.” (As soon as you see him…)
    • “If the fire starts, immediately evacuate to the nearest exit.” (Right after the fire starts…)

3. Contrast with "Shortly" or "Soon":

"Immediately" is the opposite of words like "soon," "shortly," or "later." These words imply a delay.

  • Incorrect: "I will call you shortly." (This implies you’ll call later).
  • Correct: "I will call you immediately." (I will call you as soon as possible.)

4. Phrases Using "Immediately":

  • Immediately cease: (Stop immediately) – "The captain ordered immediately cease fire."
  • Immediately following: (Right after) - “The meeting was immediately following the presentation.”
  • Immediately upon: (As soon as) – “Immediately upon receiving the letter, I contacted the bank.”

5. Important Notes:

  • Not overly dramatic: While "immediately" conveys urgency, avoid using it excessively in everyday conversation. It can sometimes sound a bit forced. Sometimes “right away” or “as soon as possible” is more natural.
  • Emphasis: "Immediately" places strong emphasis on the speed of the action.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some more example sentences?
  • Explain how "immediately" differs from similar words like "right away" or "without delay"?
  • Provide examples in a specific context (e.g., business writing, emergency situations)?

Synonyms for the word immediately

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