already
awl-REH-dee
Already (adv) means By this time, or by a specified earlier time; previously. Example: “She had already left by the time I arrived.”
adv
1
By this time, or by a specified earlier time; previously.
"She had already left by the time I arrived."
"Have you finished the report already?"
"I have already eaten, so I will just have a drink."
2
Informal: used to express impatience or exasperation.
"Enough already — let it go!"
"Hurry up already, we are going to miss the bus!"
"Stop shouting already, I can hear you perfectly well!"
How to use already
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBefore now, or sooner than expected.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "already" (a time word) with "all ready" (everyone/everything is prepared) — "We are all ready to go" vs "We have already gone".
Easily confused with
Common pairings
already done
already gone
not already
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She had _____ left by the time I arrived.
Etymology
From Middle English alredy, formed from al- ("completely") + ready.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for already
See all rhymes for 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.
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