already

[awl-red-ee]

adverb

1. 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.

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!

already

/ ɔːlˈrɛdɪ /

adverb

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?

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? ).

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”)

Example Sentences

Because the administration already has brutally reduced SSA’s workforce, it’s likely that many remaining staffers will be classified as ‘essential,’ but we cannot be sure.”

From Los Angeles Times

This is not PIF's first venture in the gaming sector - in fact, it is already heavily involved.

From BBC

Obviously, we were already talking about the Asian masculinity thing; we already look at our dating apps and how we’re not getting much traction.

From Los Angeles Times

Players are already getting offered flag football scholarships to colleges.

From Los Angeles Times

But the truth is that, for anyone who isn’t already immersed in the aesthetics of the megachurch world, the whole event was unsettling.

From Salon

Related Words

• before 
• earlier www.thesaurus.com
• once 
• previously 
• then