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Definition of already

already

/ɔːlˈrɛdi/
al · read · y
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already Lexical Profile

already Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

Prior to a specified or implied time; previously or by now.

Example

"When we arrived at the station, the train had already departed."

2

So soon; earlier than expected.

Example

"Are you leaving for the airport already?"

3

North American Used as an intensive after a word or phrase to express impatience or exasperation.

Example

"Enough already, let us get back to the main agenda."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'already' (an adverb of time meaning previously or by now) with the two-word phrase 'all ready' (meaning completely prepared).

• Rhymes for already

• Nearby Words

alpine ibex
alpinia
alps
already
alsea
alsean
also

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as a compound of the adverbial 'all' (meaning completely) and the adjective 'ready' (prepared), originally meaning fully prepared before shifting to a temporal sense by the late 14th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Already. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/already
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