Already — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ȯl-ˈre-dē/ al·ready

Meaning & Definition of Already

Already (adverb)

  1. prior to a specified or implied past, present, or future time, by this time, previously
  2. —used as an intensive

Already (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. so as to precede something in order of time

    "when we got back to the house, the movers had already left"

    similar: afore (chiefly dialect), ahead, antecedently, anteriorly, before, beforehand, earlier, formerly, preliminarily, previously, in advance
    related: a priori, early, prematurely, first, first off, now, before long, erelong (archaic), presently, shortly, soon
    opposite: after, afterward, later
    near: behind, by and by, next, subsequently

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Already

The most common words with a similar meaning to Already:

Chiefly dialect: afore
ahead, antecedently, anteriorly, before, beforehand, earlier, formerly, preliminarily, previously, in advance

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Already

Words with the opposite meaning of Already:

after, afterward, later

Related Words for Already

a priori, early, prematurely, first, first off, now, before long, erelong, presently, shortly, soon

Near Antonyms of Already

behind, by and by, next, subsequently

Origin & Etymology of Already

Middle English al redy, from al redy, adjective, wholly ready, from al all + redy ready

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Already

Words & Phrases Containing Already

all right already

Frequently Asked Questions about Already

What does "Already" mean?

"Already" means prior to a specified or implied past, present, or future time, by this time, previously. As an adverb, it is defined as: prior to a specified or implied past, present, or future time, by this time, previously.

What is another word for "Already"?

Other words for "Already" include afore, ahead, antecedently, anteriorly, before, beforehand, earlier and formerly. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Already" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Already"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Already". Common alternatives include afore, ahead, antecedently, anteriorly, before, beforehand, earlier, formerly, preliminarily and previously.

What is the opposite of "Already"?

Antonyms of "Already" include after, afterward and later. Near antonyms include behind, by and by, next and subsequently.

How do you use "Already" in a sentence?

Examples of "Already" in a sentence: "when we got back to the house, the movers had already left".

Is "Already" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Already" is an adverb.

Is "Already" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Already" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Already"?

"Already" is pronounced /ȯl-ˈre-dē/ and divided into syllables as al·ready.