underway — having started and making progress; currently happening or in motion
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having started and making progress; currently happening or in motion
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈʌndərweɪ/
Example Sentences
- The pizza delivery was already underway when I realized I forgot my wallet.
- Plans for the school festival are well underway.
- My diet was going great until the chocolate cake intervention got underway.
underway
ADJECTIVE[/ˈʌndərweɪ/]
having started and making progress; currently happening or in motion
Construction of the new bridge is already underway.
The rescue operation is underway after the earthquake. (▶️ Started + ⚙️ In Progress → Underway)
The road project was underway beyond the gateway beside the highway.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from nautical terminology, 'underway' originally described a ship that had weighed anchor and begun its voyage. The term combines 'under' and 'way' to express a vessel moving along its course, literally 'in motion on the way.' It has since evolved into a general expression used to describe any ongoing activity or process.
Breakdown
under- (in motion, in progress) + way (course, path). Originally a nautical compound describing a ship actively proceeding along its sailing route, now generalized to mean 'in progress' or 'in motion' for any undertaking.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The pizza delivery was already underway when I realized I forgot my wallet.”
“Plans for the school festival are well underway.”
“My diet was going great until the chocolate cake intervention got underway.”
“The research study has been underway for six months.”
“The zombie apocalypse preparation training got underway right after breakfast.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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