Originally a contraction of all ready, meaning fully prepared. It later came to mark something completed by a particular time. The impatient American use at the end of a sentence was influenced by Yiddish shoyn.
Originally a contraction of all ready, meaning fully prepared. It later came to mark something completed by a particular time. The impatient American use at the end of a sentence was influenced by Yiddish shoyn.
What does already mean?
Usually it means before now or before a time being discussed.
Can already show surprise?
Yes. It can say something happened sooner than expected.
What does “Enough already!” mean?
It is an informal, impatient way to tell someone to stop.
Is already one word?
Yes. It is different from all ready, meaning completely prepared.
Can already appear at the end of a sentence?
Yes. It can mark time or, especially in informal American English, impatience.