ready

American  

[red-ee] / ˈrɛd i /

adjective

readier, readiest

1. completely prepared or in fit condition for immediate action or use.

   troops ready for battle;

   Dinner is ready.

   Synonyms:

   set, fit

   Antonyms:

   unfit

2. duly equipped, completed, adjusted, or arranged, as for an occasion or purpose.

   The mechanic called to say that the car is ready.

3. willing.

   ready to forgive.

   Synonyms:

   happy, glad, agreeable

   Antonyms:

   unwilling

4. prompt or quick in perceiving, comprehending, speaking, writing, etc.

   Synonyms:

   adaptable, nimble, skillful, clever, facile, adroit, keen, sharp, acute, alert

5. proceeding from or showing such quickness.

   a ready reply.

6. prompt or quick in action, performance, manifestation, etc..

   a keen mind and ready wit.

7. inclined; disposed; apt.

   too ready to criticize others.

8. in such a condition as to be imminent; likely at any moment.

   a tree ready to fall.

9. immediately available for use.

   a ready source of cash.

10. pertaining to prompt payment.

11. present or convenient.

    to lie ready to one's hand.

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verb (used with object)

readied, readying

1. to make ready; prepare.

noun

1. the state or condition of being ready.

2. Informal. ready money; cash.

interjection

1. (used in calling the start of a race to indicate that racers should be prepared to start).

   Ready! Set! Go!

idioms

1. make ready,

   1. to bring to a state of readiness or completion; prepare.

   2. Printing. to ready a press for printing.

2. ready up, to swindle.

3. get ready! (in calling the start of a race) be prepared to start.

   Get ready! Get set! Go!

4. at the ready, in a condition of readiness, available for immediate use.

   shoppers with their umbrellas at the ready;

   soldiers keeping their weapons at the ready.

ready British  

/ ˈrɛdɪ /

adjective

1. in a state of completion or preparedness, as for use or action

2. willing or eager

   ready helpers

3. prompt or rapid

   a ready response

4. (prenominal) quick in perceiving; intelligent

   a ready mind

5. on the point (of) or liable (to)

   ready to collapse

6. (postpositive) conveniently near (esp in the phrase ready to hand )

7. to prepare oneself or something for use or action

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noun

1. informal short for ready money

2. 1. poised for use or action

      with pen at the ready

   2. (of a rifle) in the position normally adopted immediately prior to aiming and firing

verb

1. (tr) to put in a state of readiness; prepare

ready More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing ready

• at the ready
• get ready
• good and (ready)
• rough and ready

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Commonly Confused

See already.

Other Word Forms

• overready adjective
• preready adjective

Etymology

Origin of ready

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English redy, early Middle English rædig, equivalent to Old English rǣde “prompt” + -ig -y ¹

Example Sentences

“We’re ready to take to the streets again, once the time is right,” said Ahmad, who says he always keep canned food, frozen meals and aid supplies at home.

From Los Angeles Times

"He hasn't got the results over the past couple of weeks, but I know Tanz will be getting his boys ready to put in a really big performance and shock us."

From Barron's

"It's everything. It's the gold medal at an Olympic Games. We are very lucky to be here and it's a great opportunity. We have got to be ready," MacKinnon said.

From Barron's

And I have a teenager to get ready for school that we’re always all waiting on.

From Los Angeles Times

The chowder is ready once the mixture has reduced and is nice and thick.

From Salon

Related Words

• arrange
• brace
• equip
• fit
• fix
• gird
• provide
• warm up