adv
already
awl-REH-dee
adv
1
By this time, or by a specified earlier time; previously.
"She had already left by the time I arrived."
"Have you finished the report already?"
2
Informal: used to express impatience or exasperation.
"Enough already — let it go!"
How to Use Already
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBefore now, or sooner than expected.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "already" (a time word) with "all ready" (everyone/everything is prepared) — "We are all ready to go" vs "We have already gone".
Easily confused with
all ready
Common pairings
already done
already gone
not already
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She had _____ left by the time I arrived.
Etymology
From Middle English alredy, formed from al- ("completely") + ready.