Presently
'prɛzəntli
Definitions
2 meaningsAt the present time; now; soon.
'prɛzəntli
At the present time; now
The meeting will commence presently.
💡 Simply: It means 'right now' or 'soon.' Imagine you're telling a friend, 'I'm presently eating pizza!' or 'I will be there presently.'
👶 For kids: Right now, or very soon!
More Examples
She is presently living in London.
I can't help you presently, but I will be free later.
How It's Used
"I am presently working on a new project."
"The matter will be addressed presently."
In a short time; soon.
'prɛzəntli
Soon; in a short time; before long.
I will be there presently.
💡 Simply: It means 'very soon' or 'in a little while'. Imagine you tell a friend, 'I'll be there presently!'.
👶 For kids: Very soon!
More Examples
The train is expected to arrive presently.
She said she would return presently.
How It's Used
"He said he would arrive presently."
From Middle English *presently*, from present + -ly. Related to Old French *presentement* (presently, at the moment).
In older English, it could also refer to a moment in time; but now, it is most commonly used in reference to a short period or the immediate future.
Memory tip
Think of 'present' as the 'now' and 'ly' as 'in this way'.