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

Their success has already attracted attention from the quantum industry.

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The group has already been contacted by a company which offers sports bra fittings at schools which want to work with Miss Halsall on her proposal.

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The jury has already heard evidence suggesting that Ms Cordingley's phone left the beach after the killing – and that its movements matched those of a blue Alfa Romeo owned by the accused.

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"I think there's already a case to be made that he's our greatest ever player."

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves has already been on a mission to Beijing to secure foreign investment.

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Related Words

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