Entry Word: immediate

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 done or occurring without any noticeable lapse in time <received an immediate response to the question> — see instantaneous
2 done or working without something else coming in between <she is my immediate superior, so I report to her> — see direct 1
3 done, carried out, or given without delay <immediate treatment saved the victim of the massive heart attack> — see prompt 1
4 not being distant in time, space, or significance <for the victims of the terrorist attack, the incident is as immediate as yesterdayʼs news> — see close 2