► immediatelywith almost no time between actions or events: He answered the phone immediately when I called. The victims’ identities were not immediately available.
► instantly immediately. Used when something happens at almost the same time as something else: Data is available instantly over the computer network.
► promptly happening or done very quickly: The department secretary replied to my email promptly.
► at once/right away immediately, with very little time in between two actions. At once sounds more formal than right away: I realized at once that I had said the wrong thing. Jill called the doctor right away.
► right now especially spoken immediately. Used especially when something needs to be done urgently: I need the medicine right now!
► without delay formal as soon as possible. Used especially in official language: If your credit card is lost or stolen, contact the bank without delay.