RIGHT AWAY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does right away mean? 

• RIGHT AWAY (adverb)
  The adverb RIGHT AWAY has 2 senses:

1. without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

2. at once (usually modifies an undesirable occurrence)

  Familiarity information: RIGHT AWAY used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• RIGHT AWAY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

Synonyms:

at once; directly; forthwith; immediately; instantly; like a shot; now; right away; straight off; straightaway

Context example:

Come here now!

Sense 2

Meaning:

At once (usually modifies an undesirable occurrence)

Synonyms:

promptly; right away

Context example:

he promptly forgot the address

 Context examples 

It is important to start treatment right away.

(Epilepsy, NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

See an eye care professional right away if you have a sudden change in vision, if everything looks dim, or if you see flashes of light.

(Eye Diseases, NIH: National Eye Institute)

Get medical care right away if you have these signs.

(Ectopic Pregnancy, Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health)

It may go into effect right away, or when that person is no longer able to make decisions for himself or herself.

(DPA, NCI Dictionary)

Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at once.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

You should wash out your eye right away while you wait for medical help.

(Eye Injuries, NIH)

You need to get medical care right away for any fracture.

(Fractures, NIH)

It doesn't cause symptoms right away.

(Pancreatic Cancer, NIH: National Cancer Institute)

If so, treatment should start right away.

(Newborn Screening, NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)

If you have no symptoms, you may not need treatment right away.

(Multiple Myeloma, NIH: National Cancer Institute)