Already

Part of Speech

Adverb

Pronunciation

/ɔːlˈrɛdi/ (awl-RED-ee)

Definitions

• At an earlier time; previously.
• By this time; before the present moment.
• Used to indicate that something has been completed or accomplished before now.

Usage Examples

• "I have already finished my homework."
• "She had already left when I arrived."
• "Have you already seen that movie?"

Etymology

Middle English "all redi," derived from Old English "eall rædde," meaning "completely ready." The word "already" has been used since the 14th century to denote something that was prepared or done ahead of time.

Synonyms

• Previously
• Before
• Earlier
• Now

Antonyms

• Not yet
• Later
• Subsequently

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In different regions, the pronunciation of "already" may slightly change. In some areas, the stress might be placed on the first syllable, while in other regions, it could be placed on the second syllable.

Historical Usage

The word "already" has been in use since the 14th century in Middle English. It originated as a phrase meaning "completely ready," and over time, it evolved into its current form. It was initially used to emphasize preparedness and is now used to describe something that has been completed or is already in progress.

Cultural Nuances

The use of "already" can indicate impatience or urgency in certain contexts. In informal settings, it may be used to express frustration, such as "You’re already late!" or "I’ve already told you!" In other cases, it is simply used to confirm the completion of an action without any emotional undertone.

More Information

The word "already" is commonly used to indicate the completion of an action in the past. It is frequently used in daily conversations to express a state of being ahead of time or to confirm that something has been done before the current moment. The use of "already" has become so ingrained in the language that it is often used in a variety of informal contexts and can subtly convey a range of emotions, from impatience to relief.