DictionaryAI

presently

adverb
PREZ-uhnt-lee/ˈpɹɛzəntli/

4 meanings of presently

Practice

  1. 1
    adverb
    Soon, in a short while from now.

    Like saying something will happen in just a minute.

    The doctor will see you presently, so please take a seat.

    She promised to join us presently, once she finished the call.

    Similarsoon, shortly

    Note
  2. 2
    adverb
    At this time, now.

    She is presently working at the children's hospital downtown.

    The towns and forts you presently have.
    a. 1587, Philip Sidney, The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia [The New Arcadia]Here, presently means now, at the present time.

    Similarcurrently, now

    Oppositeformerly, previously

    Note
  3. 3
    adverbarchaicBritish
    Right away, at once.

    Come presently. There is no time to lose.

    And presently the fig tree withered away.
    1611, The Holy Bible, King James VersionHere, presently means immediately, right away.
    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    adverbobsolete
    Really present in actual fact, not just in name.
    Note

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Origin

From Middle English presently. It comes from the word present plus -ly.