Foundation level · Year 4 · free
already
adverb · Say it: awl-RED-ee
What it means
Foundationbefore now, or sooner than expected
By the time I arrived, Lily had already eaten all the crisps.
Similar and opposite words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- before
- earlier
- previously
More examples
- Is it already time for bed? The evening went so fast!
Where the word comes from
From Middle English 'all ready', meaning 'fully prepared'.
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