Definition of already

The word "already" has a fascinating history! The word originated from Old English "ġe" or "ge" meaning "before" or "prior to," and "al" from "æl" meaning "all." The combination of these two words formed the word "ġe-æl" or "ge-æl," which eventually evolved into Middle English "alredy" around the 13th century. During this period, the word was used to indicate "prior to" or "before," similar to its modern usage in phrases like "I had already eaten dinner." Later, in Early Modern English (around the 15th century), the word "already" gained its modern meaning to indicate something that has occurred or taken place at an earlier point in time. For example, "I have already finished my work" or "She has already booked the flight." Today, "already" is a common adverb used to convey a sense of completion, prior action, or simultaneous occurrence.