already
Use Already in a sentence
i adverb
1.
by this or that time; previously; prior to or at some specified or implied time: When we came in, we found they had already arrived.
2.
now; so soon; so early: Is it noon already?
3.
Informal. (used as an intensifier to express exasperation or impatience): Let's go already!
Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English al redy all ready; what orig. 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”)
1350–1400; Middle English al redy all ready; what orig. 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”)
Usage 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? ).
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? ).
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To Already
00:10
Already
is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
| a fool or simpleton; ninny. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
already (ɔːlˈrɛdɪ) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —adv | |
| 1. | by or before a stated or implied time: he is already here |
| 2. | at a time earlier than expected: is it ten o'clock already? |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained.
Most of the big fish in the ocean are already gone.
Purebred wild water buffaloes may already have disappeared from the world, scientists acknowledge.
In the other thread you started, you noted you were already working.
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