DictionaryAI

already

adverb
Sayawl-RED-ee/ɔlˈɹɛdi/UK/ɔːlˈɹɛdi/

5 meanings of already

Practice

  1. 1
    previouslyadverb
    Before now, or before the time you are talking about.

    I have already finished my homework.

    By the time we arrived, the movie had already started.

    Similarpreviously, beforehand

    Note
  2. 2
    so soonadverb
    Used to show surprise that something happened sooner than you expected.

    Are you going home already?

    Is it morning already?

    Note
  3. 3
    impatienceadverbCanadaUS
    Used at the end of a sentence to show that you feel annoyed or impatient.

    Stop arguing already!

    Just finish your dinner already!

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    done (Singapore)adverbSingaporeSinglish
    In Singapore English, used to show that an action is done, or will be done.

    I eat already, so I don't want any more rice.

    Your parcel come already, I put it on the table.

    Note
  2. 5
    has become (Singapore)adverbSingaporeSinglish
    In Singapore English, used to show that something is now different from before.

    Your coffee cold already, I make you a new one.

    My son tall already, his old school shoes cannot fit.

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of already apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Middle English alredy, made from al- meaning "all" or "completely" plus ready.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts