adverb

illico

immediately

Definition & meaning

Illico is an informal adverb meaning immediately, right away, or without delay.

  • Je reviens illico. — I’ll be right back.
  • Il est parti illico. — He left immediately.

Grammar & Word origin

Illico is an invariable adverb: its form does not change. It comes from Latin illico, meaning “on the spot” or “immediately.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • tout de suite — “right away”; common in everyday speech and less informal than illico.
  • immédiatement — “immediately”; more neutral or formal.

Antonyms:

  • plus tard — “later,” rather than immediately.
  • lentement — “slowly”; contrasts with the speed suggested by illico.

Common phrases & collocations

  • illico presto — “in no time” or “right away”; a playful, informal expression.

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Examples

Viens illico !adverb

Come immediately!

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