Already Meaning, Examples & Correct Usage

Meaning 1：by now (already)

already 🔊

/ɔːlˈrɛdi/

adv.

before this time; by now; earlier than expected.

Already meaning example: empty plate after meal finished

by now 🔊

➕

/baɪ naʊ/

adv.

Used to emphasize that something has happened or been done before the present moment or earlier than expected.

📁 Category：Time & Dates 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'eal' (all) + 'ġearu' (ready), literally 'all ready'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'all ready' → you are fully set before the deadline, so it's already done.

📖 Example

I’ve already finished reading that book. 🔊 I completed reading that book before now.

🔗 Collocations

already done – completed ahead of schedule

already know – have prior knowledge of

already there – present at the location before others

🔄 Synonyms

yet (adv.) – Used in negative or question contexts to indicate something hasn't happened or is expected.

previously (adv.) – At an earlier time; before the present moment.

beforehand (adv.) – In advance; ahead of time.

🚫 Antonyms

not yet (adv.) – Indicates that something has not happened but is expected in the future.

later (adv.) – At a subsequent or future time.

never (adv.) – At no time in the past or future; not ever.

🌱 Derivatives

alreadiness (n.) – The state of being already done or completed.

already’s (n.) – Informal plural referring to multiple instances of something done earlier.

📖 Cultural Story

Already originated around 1300 as 'al redy' meaning fully prepared. By the 14th century it shifted to indicate completion before a specified time, a common grammaticalization pattern.