already

ADVERB

[/ɔːlˈredi/]

by or before a particular time

💡 Concept

Mom walked in and the kids had already finished all the cookies.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

Start Free Demo

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɔːlˈredi/

🇬🇧 UK/ɔːlˈredi/

🌳Etymology

Prefixal--

Rootready

Origin

Already originates from Middle English 'al redy', a compound formation combining 'all' (meaning entirely, completely) and 'ready' (meaning prepared, equipped). The compound originally expressed the state of complete preparedness or full readiness.

Breakdown

all (entirely, completely) + ready (prepared, equipped) = already. The 'al' form is a reduction of 'all', which when combined with 'ready' created the adverbial compound denoting complete preparedness.

🎵Rhyme

readysteadyheavy

ready

steady

heavy

🔗Collocations

already done

already know

already started

already finished

already here

already late

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“Mom, I already brushed my teeth... three times!”

😄 Fun example

“The pizza is already gone? I just ordered it!”

“She has already submitted her application.”

“The movie already started when we arrived.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

yetpreviouslybeforeby now

Antonyms

not yetstilllater

readycompletefinisheddone

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Start for Free 60s Demo

already — by or before a particular time

Example Sentences