presently
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for presently, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Soon; before long.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Middle English presently; equivalent to present + -ly.
Full origin of presently →Frequently asked questions
What does “presently” mean?
The word “presently” means soon; before long. In plain terms, either "soon" or "right now," depending on context — the meaning has shifted over time.
How do you pronounce “presently”?
“Presently” is pronounced PREH-zuhnt-lee (/ˈpɹɛzəntli/ in IPA).
How do you use “presently” in a sentence?
Here is “presently” used in a sentence: “The doctor will be with you presently.”
What part of speech is “presently”?
“Presently” is an adverb.
Is “presently” a common word?
“Presently” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “presently” have?
“Presently” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: soon; before long.
Does presently mean now or soon?
Presently has two accepted meanings: it can mean soon or before long, or it can mean at this time, currently. Because both senses are common, the word can be ambiguous, so context is needed to tell whether something is happening now or about to happen.
What is the difference between presently and currently?
Currently unambiguously means at this time, while presently can mean either currently or soon, depending on regional usage and context. Many careful writers prefer currently specifically to avoid the ambiguity presently can create.
Is it correct to say I will see you presently?
Yes, this is a traditional and correct use of presently in its soon sense, meaning the person will be seen before long. This usage is more common in formal or older-fashioned English.