Readily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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readily

[ˈrɛdɪli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

easily or quickly

In a quick or prompt manner; without delay.

Synonyms

easily, promptly, quickly, without delay.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
readily

Used when indicating willingness or ease in doing something without hesitation or reluctance.

  • She readily agreed to help with the project
  • The instructions were readily understood by everyone
quickly

Used to describe doing something at a fast speed or in a short time.

  • He quickly ran to catch the bus
  • The meeting ended quickly
easily

Used when something requires little effort or is simple to accomplish.

  • He solved the puzzle easily
  • The recipe can be easily followed by beginners
promptly

Used when something happens without delay or punctuality is emphasized.

  • She responded to the email promptly
  • The train left promptly at 8 AM
without delay

Used when expressing the need to do something immediately or very soon.

  • They acted without delay to fix the issue
  • Send the report without delay

Examples of usage

  • She readily agreed to help.
  • He readily admitted his mistake.
  • The information is readily available online.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Language Usage

  • 'Readily' is often used in formal writing to convey efficiency, such as 'The information was readily available.'
  • In conversation, using the word suggests a positive attitude towards tasks or requests, indicating enthusiasm.
  • This word can also imply willingness, as in 'She readily accepted the offer to help.'

Cognition and Psychology

  • Research shows that the ability to process information readily can enhance learning experiences.
  • People who adapt to new situations readily tend to exhibit higher cognitive flexibility, a desired trait in many educational settings.
  • The concept of readiness in psychology often correlates with an individual's motivation to embrace change or new challenges.

Pop Culture

  • In popular media, characters who respond readily to challenges tend to be portrayed as proactive heroes.
  • Catchphrases like 'ready, set, go!' emphasize the theme of readiness as a beacon of action in various television shows.
  • The word is often used in slogans and advertisements to suggest ease and accessibility, enticing consumers.

Everyday Contexts

  • People often use 'readily available' to describe information that is easy to access online or in libraries.
  • In customer service, a 'readily helpful' attitude is seen as essential for building strong relationships with clients.
  • The phrase 'readily apparent' indicates something that is obvious or easy to notice, common in discussions and evaluations.

Origin of 'readily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'ræde' meaning 'prepared' or 'ready'.
  • In Middle English, 'readily' emerged with the added suffix '-ily', which means 'in a way that is'.
  • The term has consistently retained its core meaning of being prepared or willing since its inception.

The word 'readily' originated from the Middle English word 'redili', which in turn came from the Old English word 'rǣd(līc)'. The suffix -ly is added to the adjective 'ready' to form the adverb 'readily'. The word has been used in English literature since the 14th century.


See also: misread, misreading, nonreader, read, readable, reader, readers, readership, reading, ready.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,882, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.