I. ˈredē, -di adjective
( usually -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English redy; akin to Old English rǣde ready, Old High German reiti, Old Norse greithr ready, Gothic ga raiths ordered, Greek arariskein to fit — more at arm
1.
a.
(1) : prepared for something about to be done or experienced
are ready to see their father
is ready to hear the news
(2) : prepared for immediate movement or action
the troops are ready to march
b. : equipped or supplied with what is needed for some action or event
are ready for the trip
c. : fitted, arranged, or placed for immediate use
a room is now ready for you
dinner is ready
2.
a.
(1) : prepared in mind or disposition so as to be willing and not reluctant : not hesitant : inclined , disposed
are ready to die for their country
(2) : brought into or being in such a state as to be likely to do something indicated : immediately liable : on the verge of something
seemed ready to cry
the house looks as though it's ready to fall down
b. : spontaneously prompt : not slow
always has a ready answer for any difficulty that may arise
with a ready smile on her lips
3. : quick in some indicated action or perception in such a way as to be notably dexterous, adroit, or skilled
a ready wit
a ready worker
4. : that is immediately available or at hand : that can be had or used at once
ready assets
ready cash
had a gun ready
Synonyms: see quick
II. adverb
( usually -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English redy, from redy, adjective
archaic : readily
III. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English redien, from redy, adjective
: to cause to be ready : prepare
readying themselves for battle
Synonyms: see prepare
IV. noun
( -es )
Etymology: ready (I)
1. : money on hand : ready cash
was well supplied with the ready
2. : the state of being ready ; especially : preparation of a gun (as by loading, cocking, and holding in readiness) for immediate aiming and firing
had their rifles at the ready
3. : a left-handed strand formed by twisting together a number of right-handed yarns of which three go to form a plain-laid rope