al ‧ read ‧ y S1 W1 /ɔːlˈredi $ ɒːl-/ BrE AmE adverb
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Origin: all ready 'completely ready' ]
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.
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.’
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?
4 . used to say that a situation exists and it might get worse, greater etc:
Hurry up, we’re already late.