Already
/ɔːˈredi/
adverbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
Previously; by or before a specified or implied time.
/ɔːˈredi/
adverbneutralBeginner
General
By this time; before this time.
The movie has already started.
💡 Simply: It means something happened before now.
More Examples
2
I had already finished my work when she arrived.
How It's Used
General Conversation
"I've already eaten lunch."
Formal Writing
"The committee has already submitted its report."
From Old English *ǣl-ræde, a compound of *ǣl (all) and *ræde (ready). It evolved through Middle English *alredie to its modern form.
The word's usage has remained largely consistent throughout history, primarily focusing on expressing prior completion of an action.
Memory tip
Think 'all ready' but it's one word meaning 'before now'.
Practice
allreadyalredy
Usage
70%Spoken
30%Written