urgently

Everyday

Urgently means very quickly, because something is important and must be done right now: «We need help urgently.» tree →

In the lessons

In safety lessons, emergencies need urgent action: call 999 (UK), 911 (US, Canada), 000 (Australia) or 111 (New Zealand), 112 or 999 (Ireland). In news, charities urgently need donations or blood. In stories, a character speaks urgently to show danger. Phrases: «urgently needed», «need something urgently», «speak urgently».

Examples

• The hospital urgently needs blood donors. tree →
• «Come quickly!» she said urgently. tree →
• The roof leak must be fixed urgently before it rains again. tree →
• The lost hiker urgently needed water. tree →
• We urgently packed our bags when the flood warning came. tree →
• The head teacher urgently called all the parents. tree →
• She would not let him go, but he went on urgently entreating. tree →

Note

Adverb from «urgent». Say «UR-jent-lee». «Urgent» means it must be done now; «important» means it matters, but not always right now — a useful difference when planning.