Already: meaning, definitions and examples
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already
[ ɔːlˈrɛdi ]
in a previous time or already
before or by now or the time in question.
Synonyms
formerly, previously, previously
Examples of usage
- I have already seen that movie.
- She had already left when I arrived.
- The food was already cold by the time I got home.
done, obtained, or existing before the time in question
used to indicate that something has happened before the moment of speaking or before another specified time.
Synonyms
antecedent, pre-existing, prior
Examples of usage
- An already difficult situation got even worse.
- She is already a successful businesswoman at such a young age.
Translations
Translations of the word "already" in other languages:
🇵🇹 já
🇮🇳 पहले से ही
🇩🇪 schon
🇮🇩 sudah
🇺🇦 вже
🇵🇱 już
🇯🇵 すでに
🇫🇷 déjà
🇪🇸 ya
🇹🇷 zaten
🇰🇷 이미
🇸🇦 بالفعل
🇨🇿 již
🇸🇰 už
🇨🇳 已经
🇸🇮 že
🇮🇸 nú þegar
🇰🇿 бұрыннан
🇬🇪 უკვე
🇦🇿 artıq
🇲🇽 ya
Word origin
The word 'already' originated from Middle English 'al redy', meaning 'already prepared'. The word 'already' has been used since the 14th century to indicate prior occurrence or readiness. It evolved from the Old English word 'æl-rǣde', which means 'quite prepared' or 'already ready'. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass various contexts, making it a versatile adverb and adjective in the English language.