Already

From Fresh Dictionary

Contents

English


Etymology

(Old English alredi = al + redi) All + ready.

Pronunciation

IPA: WEAE /ɔːlˈrɛdi/

Adverb

already

  1. Prior to some specified time, either past, present, or future; by this time; previously.
    It was already dusk, and the lamps were just being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, waiting for the coming of its occupant. —Doyle
  2. So soon.
    Are you quitting already?
  3. An addition used to emphasize impatience.
    I wish they'd finish already, so we can get going.
  4. To give emphasis: used after a command, exclamation, or other statement to give it emphasis or express exasperation (informal).
    Enough already! Be quiet already!


Usage note

Already may be used with the past perfect (I have already done that), the future perfect (When you arrive, the business will already have been completed) as well as the simple future (When you arrive, the business will already be complete).

Translations

prior to some time

See also

fr:already io:already it:already hu:already pl:already pt:already fi:already zh:already

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