In legal and formal contexts, forthwith is a fancy way of saying "immediately" or "without delay." It implies that an action should be taken as soon as is reasonably possible under the circumstances. While it sounds like a word a medieval knight might use, it is still very common in modern law and official documentation. 1. The Legal Nuance In a courtroom or a contract, "forthwith" doesn't always mean "this exact millisecond." Judges usually interpret it based on the situation: * The "Reasonable" Standard: It often means "with all reasonable speed" or "as soon as the required task can be performed." * The Intent: It is used to signal that there is no excuse for unnecessary stalling. 2. Common Usage Examples * Legal Orders: "The defendant is ordered to vacate the premises forthwith." * Formal Requests: "Please send the signed documents to our office forthwith." * Military/Official: "The battalion was ordered to cease fire forthwith." 3. Quick Comparisons | Word | Tone | Implied Speed | |---|---|---| | Forthwith | Formal / Legal | Immediate (allowing for logistics) | | Immediately | Standard | Right now | | Stat | Medical / Urgent | Instantly / Emergency | | At your earliest convenience | Polite / Casual | Whenever you have time | Would you like me to help you draft a formal sentence using "forthwith," or are you looking for synonyms to use in a more casual setting?
In legal and formal contexts, forthwith is a fancy way of saying "immediately" or "without delay." It implies that an action should be taken as soon as is reasonably possible under the circumstances.
While it sounds like a word a medieval knight might use, it is still very common in modern law and official documentation.
1. The Legal Nuance
In a courtroom or a contract, "forthwith" doesn't always mean "this exact millisecond." Judges usually interpret it based on the situation:
* The "Reasonable" Standard: It often means "with all reasonable speed" or "as soon as the required task can be performed."
* The Intent: It is used to signal that there is no excuse for unnecessary stalling.
2. Common Usage Examples
* Legal Orders: "The defendant is ordered to vacate the premises forthwith."
* Formal Requests: "Please send the signed documents to our office forthwith."
* Military/Official: "The battalion was ordered to cease fire forthwith."
3. Quick Comparisons
| Word | Tone | Implied Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Forthwith | Formal / Legal | Immediate (allowing for logistics) |
| Immediately | Standard | Right now |
| Stat | Medical / Urgent | Instantly / Emergency |
| At your earliest convenience | Polite / Casual | Whenever you have time |
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