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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Origin: | all ready 'completely ready' |
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al‧read‧y S1 W1
1 before now, or before a particular time : 
The design of the new house is similar to those that have already been built.The performance had already started when we arrived.
The design of the new house is similar to those that have already been built.The performance had already started when we arrived.2 used to say that something has been done before and does not need doing again : You already told me that. 'Fancy a coffee?' 'No thanks, I already have one.'
You already told me that.'Fancy a coffee?' 'No thanks, I already have one.'3 used to say that something has happened too soon or before the expected time : Have you eaten all that food already? Is it 5 o'clock already?
Have you eaten all that food already?Is it 5 o'clock already?4 used to say that a situation exists and it might get worse, greater, etc : Hurry up, we're already late.
Hurry up, we're already late.! already or yet? ➔ see usage note yet1
