already

adverb
UK: /ɔːlˈredi/
US: /ɔːlˈrɛdi/

  1. Before now or before a specific time in the past.

    1. I already ate. [ ] [ ]
    2. He had already left when I arrived at the station. [ ] [ ]

  2. Used to express surprise that something has happened sooner than expected.

    1. Is it lunchtime already? [ ] [ ]
    2. Are you leaving already I thought you just got here. [ ] [ ]

  3. Used to emphasize something that is true or obvious.

    1. I told you already. [ ] [ ]
    2. We are already late so there is no point in hurrying now. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

yet beforehand

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "already" in English means: Before now or before a specific time in the past., Used to express surprise that something has happened sooner than expected., Used to emphasize something that is true or obvious..

The phonetic transcription of "already" is /ɔːlˈredi/ in British English and /ɔːlˈrɛdi/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "already": yet, beforehand.

Example usage of "already": "I already ate.". More examples on the page.