already
5 synonyms for already, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — By this time, or by a specified earlier time; previously.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
by now
before now
by this time
How to use already
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
already done
already gone
not already
Etymology
From Middle English alredy, formed from al- ("completely") + ready.
Full origin of already →Frequently asked questions
What does “already” mean?
The word “already” means by this time, or by a specified earlier time; previously. In plain terms, before now, or sooner than expected.
How do you pronounce “already”?
“Already” is pronounced awl-REH-dee (/ɔːlˈɹɛdi/ in IPA).
How do you use “already” in a sentence?
Here is “already” used in a sentence: “She had already left by the time I arrived.”
What part of speech is “already”?
“Already” is an adverb.
Where does the word “already” come from?
The word “already” comes from Middle English. From Middle English alredy, formed from al- ("completely") + ready.
Is “already” a common word?
“Already” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “already” have?
“Already” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: by this time, or by a specified earlier time; previously.
What is the difference between 'already' and 'all ready'?
'Already' is an adverb about time, meaning something has happened by now or before a certain point, as in 'the train has already left.' 'All ready' is two words meaning completely prepared, as in 'we are all ready to go.' A quick test: if 'everyone is prepared' fits, use 'all ready.'
How do you use 'already' in a sentence?
'Already' usually shows that something happened sooner than expected or by the present moment: 'I've already eaten,' or 'It's midnight already?' It often pairs with the present perfect tense and typically sits between the auxiliary and the main verb, as in 'she has already left.'
What is the difference between 'already' and 'yet'?
Both relate to time up to now, but 'already' is used for things that have happened, usually in positive statements like 'he's already arrived.' 'Yet' is used for things still awaited, mostly in questions and negatives, as in 'hasn't he arrived yet?' Roughly, 'already' is completed and 'yet' is pending.
