'immediate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'immediatus,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'medius' meant 'middle.'

'immediatus' transformed into the Old French word 'immediat,' and eventually became the modern English word 'immediate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'without anything in between,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'occurring or done at once.'