adj.
Pronunciation: ' re-d ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: read · i · er ; -est
Etymology: Middle English redy; akin to Old English ge r ǣ de ready, Gothic ga raiths arranged
Date: 13th century
1 a : prepared mentally or physically for some experience or action b : prepared for immediate use <dinner is ready >
2 a : willingly disposed : INCLINED < ready to agree to his proposal> b : likely to do something indicated <a house that looks ready to collapse>
3 : displayed readily and spontaneously <a ready wit>
4 : immediately available <had ready cash>
synonyms see QUICK
– read · i · ness noun
– at the ready : ready for immediate use <kept guns at the ready >