/ɪ'mi:dɪət; ɪ`midɪət/
adj
1 (a) happening or done at once 立即的; 即刻的
*I want an immediate reply. 我要求立即答覆我.
* The response of the people to the famine appeal was immediate. 人们对救济饥荒的吁求立刻作出了回应.
* take immediate action 立刻采取行动.
(b) [usu attrib 通常作定语] existing at the present time 目前的; 当前的
*Our immediate concern is for/with the families of those who died. 我们当务之急是安抚死者的家属.
2 [attrib 作定语] nearest in time, space or relationship （在时空上、关系上）最接近的, 紧接的
*What are your plans for the immediate future? 你最近有什么计画?
* There's no post office in the immediateneighbourhood. 附近没有邮局.
* his immediate predecessor他的前任
* one's immediate family, ie parents, children, brothers and sisters 直系亲属（父母、子女、兄弟、姐妹）.
3 [attrib 作定语] with nothing coming in between; direct 直接的
*The immediate cause of death is unknown. 造成死亡的直接原因不明.

adj
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Late Latin;Origin: immediatus, from mediatus 'in between, separated']
happening or done at once and without delay
　Our immediate response to the attack was sheer horror.
　They promise immediate action to help the unemployed.
　If the eyes are affected, seek immediate medical attention.
[only before noun]
existing now, and needing to be dealt with quickly
　Let's try and solve the most immediate problem .
　There is an immediate danger of war.
[only before noun]
happening just before or just after someone or something else
　The most immediate effect of retirement is a dramatic reduction in living standards.
　He promised that there would be no tax increases in the immediate future .
[only before noun]
next to, or very near to, a particular place
　It is a thriving shopping centre for the people who live in the immediate area .
immediate family
people who are very closely related to you, such as your parents, children, brothers, and sisters