right away

/ˌraɪt əˈweɪ/
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Without waiting.

Examples

  • I will call you right away.
  • The alarm rang, and everyone left right away.
  • Can we start right away, or should we wait?
  • She answered the message right away.
  • Please tell me right away if the pain gets worse.

Similar words

immediately
straightaway
at once

Meanings

Immediately

time
neutral
At once, without deliberate delay.

Examples

  • I will call you right away.
  • Please tell me right away if the pain gets worse.
  • She answered the message right away.
  • The alarm rang, and everyone left right away.
  • Can we start right away, or should we wait?

Similar words

Etymology

Away suggests movement from the present point, and right strengthens the sense of immediacy.

FAQ

What does right away mean?

It means immediately, without waiting.

When is right away used?

It is used when an action should happen at once or happens without delay.

How is right away different from as soon as possible?

Right away implies immediate action. As soon as possible allows for practical limits.

How is right away used in a sentence?

It commonly follows a verb, as in “Call me right away”.

Is right away formal?

It is neutral in everyday speech, though a direct command may sound urgent.

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