Immediacy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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immediacy
[ɪˈmiːdiəsi ]
Definitions
sense of time
The quality of being immediate in time or relation; immediateness. The state, condition, or quality of being immediate. The quality of bringing one into direct and instant involvement with something, giving rise to a sense of urgency or excitement.
Synonyms
closeness, proximity, urgency.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| immediacy |
Immediacy refers to the quality of being immediate or happening right now. It is often used in situations where instant attention or action is required.
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| urgency |
Urgency implies something requiring immediate action or attention, often creating a sense of pressure or importance. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation due to the stress it may induce.
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| closeness |
Closeness usually describes a physical or emotional state of being near to someone or something. It is often used when talking about relationships or spatial distance.
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| proximity |
Proximity refers to the state of being near in space, time, or relationship. It is often used in formal or technical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The immediacy of the situation demanded quick action.
- She loved the immediacy of live performances.
communication
The quality of being direct, personal, and spontaneous in communication. The effect of a medium in creating a sense of presence or intimacy between sender and receiver.
Synonyms
directness, intimacy, spontaneity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| immediacy |
This term is used to describe something happening or done at once, without delay. It's often used in emergency situations or to emphasize the urgency of a response.
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| directness |
Directness refers to communication that is straightforward and clear, without any ambiguity. It's often used in professional or interpersonal contexts where clarity and honesty are important.
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| spontaneity |
Spontaneity describes actions that are done without premeditation, prompted by natural impulse. It's often used in contexts where unexpected and unplanned activities or reactions are highlighted.
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| intimacy |
Intimacy is used to describe a close, familiar, and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship. It's generally used in contexts involving emotional closeness or romantic relationships.
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Examples of usage
- The immediacy of a phone call is greater than that of an email.
- Social media platforms provide a sense of immediacy in communication.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that immediacy in communication creates a sense of presence and connection, making relationships feel stronger.
- Feeling immediate emotions can encourage faster decision-making and increased engagement in various contexts.
- The brain processes immediate rewards differently, often favoring quick gratification over delayed satisfaction.
Media Studies
- In media discourse, immediacy refers to how closely a story or information feels relevant and pressing to the audience.
- The concept of 'immediacy' in digital media includes the idea that users want information quickly and in real-time.
- Journalists often strive for immediacy to capture the urgency of news stories, impacting how events are reported.
Cultural Perspectives
- Cultures that value immediacy may prioritize quick decisions and rapid responses in both personal and professional settings.
- In some societies, immediacy is related to technology use; faster communication tools create an expectation for immediate interaction.
- Social media platforms exemplify cultural immediacy, allowing individuals to share instant reactions to events as they occur.
Art and Literature
- In literature, immediacy is often achieved through the use of vivid imagery or first-person narration to create a connection with readers.
- Contemporary art often reflects immediacy by focusing on current events and encouraging real-time viewer engagement.
- Writers and artists who emphasize immediacy can deeply influence the audience's emotional response to their work.
Origin of 'immediacy'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'immediatus', meaning 'not lying between', which implies closeness.
- In the 16th century, it began to be used in English to convey directness and urgency.
- It combines 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'medius,' meaning 'middle,' indicating a lack of delay.
The word 'immediacy' originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'immediatus', which means 'not remote'. It has been used to describe the quality of being immediate or direct in various contexts, from sense of time to communication. The concept of immediacy has evolved over time, reflecting the changing ways in which humans perceive and interact with the world around them.
See also: immediately.