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

With a new gap in the airline industry, competitors such as United Airlines and Frontier Airlines have already announced additional flights and routes aimed at capitalizing on Spirit’s fallout.

From Los Angeles Times

It will also pose a challenge to “Face the Nation” producers who already operate in an environment where real-time fact checking can’t always keep up with the misinformation presented by guests on the program.

From Los Angeles Times

Plaid Cymru has already announced that Lindsay Whittle will stand for the party.

From BBC

With the safety net of a quarter-final place already assured, they will road-test against, on world ranking at least, their strongest opponents so far.

From BBC

“At age 19, she is already one of the most exciting players in the world,” Angel City sporting director Mark Parsons said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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