Inmediatamente

Inmediatamente is a Spanish adverb meaning without delay, right away, or instantly. It is used to indicate that an action should occur promptly or that it has just occurred. It commonly modifies verbs, as in “Llegó inmediatamente” or “Responda inmediatamente,” and appears in formal and informal contexts alike. It can be used interchangeably, in many cases, with phrases such as “de inmediato” or “enseguida.”

Origin and form: inmediatamente comes from the adjective inmediato, which denotes immediacy or lack of intermediary steps. The adjective is derived from Latin immediatus, formed with the prefix in- and the root medius (middle), conveying the sense of directness. The adverb is created by adding the suffix -mente to inmediato.

Usage notes: In usage, inmediatamente often emphasizes urgency or promptness. It can appear in temporal expressions such as “inmediatamente después” (immediately after) or “inmediatamente antes” (immediately before). While widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions, some style guides and registers may prefer the synonymous phrase “de inmediato” in less formal contexts.

Related terms: inmediato (adj), inmediatamente (adverb), de inmediato (phrase meaning immediately), sin demora (without delay), enseguida (right away).