View synonyms for

already

[ awl-red-ee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adverb

by this or that time; prior to or at some specified or implied time; previously:
When we came in, we found they had already arrived.
now; so soon; so early:
Is it noon already?
Informal. (used as an intensifier to express exasperation or impatience):
Let's go already!

already

/ ɔː��ˈ��ɛ��ɪ /

adverb

by or before a stated or implied time
he is already here
at a time earlier than expected
is it ten o'clock already?

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Confusables Note

Although already and all ready are often indistinguishable in speech, the written forms have distinct meanings and uses. The phrase all ready means “entirely ready” or “prepared” ( I was all ready to leave on vacation ). Already means “previously” ( The plane had already left the airport ) or “so soon” ( Is it lunchtime already? ).

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Word History and Origins

Origin of already¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English al redy “all ready”; what originally meant “completely ( all ) ready” and modified the subject ( The porter all ready was there ) was taken adverbially as modifying the predicate ( The porter already was there, meaning “from an earlier time”)

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

This time round they want to add to the tally in counties like Shropshire, Gloucestershire and Kent, where they already have bums on seats.

From

And it exacerbated the economic pains in a region already reeling from cutbacks in the timber industry.

From

Lee said his son was already struggling with depression and anxiety.

From

Mr Gowing said he had already received expressions of interest from local and national leisure operators.

From

One defendant is from Arizona and was already in state custody on an unrelated matter when she was charged.

From

Related Words

al-Qaeda alright

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