already

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adverb 1.3.1 Usage notes 1.3.2 Translations 1.4 See also 1.5 Anagrams

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Middle English alredi from al (“‘all’”) + redi (“‘ready’”). Compare Dutch alreeds (“‘already’”).

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɔːlˈrɛdi/, SAMPA: /O:l"rEdi/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• Hyphenation: al‧read‧y

[edit] Adverb

already (not comparable)

1. Prior to some specified time, either past, present, or future; by this time; previously.

   It was already dusk, and the lamps were just being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, waiting for the coming of its occupant. —Doyle

2. So soon.

   Are you quitting already?

3. (US) An intensifier used to emphasize impatience or express exasperation.

   I wish they'd finish already, so we can get going.

   Enough already! Be quiet already!

[edit] Usage notes

Already may be used with the present perfect (I have already done that), the past perfect (I had already done it by then), the future perfect (When you arrive, the business will already have been completed) or the simple future (When you arrive, the business will already be complete).

[edit] Translations

[edit] See also

• yet

[edit] Anagrams

• Alphagram: aadelry
• adlayer