/red"ee/ , adj., readier, readiest , v. , readied, readying , n., interj.
adj.
1. completely prepared or in fit condition for immediate action or use: troops ready for battle; Dinner is ready.
2. duly equipped, completed, adjusted, or arranged, as for an occasion or purpose: The mechanic called to say that the car is ready.
3. willing: ready to forgive.
4. prompt or quick in perceiving, comprehending, speaking, writing, etc.
5. proceeding from or showing such quickness: a ready reply.
6. prompt or quick in action, performance, manifestation, etc.: a keen mind and ready wit.
7. inclined; disposed; apt: too ready to criticize others.
8. in such a condition as to be imminent; likely at any moment: a tree ready to fall.
9. immediately available for use: a ready source of cash.
10. pertaining to prompt payment.
11. present or convenient: to lie ready to one's hand.
12. get ready! (in calling the start of a race) be prepared to start: Get ready! Get set! Go!
13. make ready ,
a. to bring to a state of readiness or completion; prepare.
b. Print. to ready a press for printing.
v.t.
14. to make ready; prepare.
15. ready up , Brit. and Australian Slang. to swindle.
n.
16. the state or condition of being ready.
17. Informal. ready money; cash.
18. at the ready , in a condition of readiness, available for immediate use: shoppers with their umbrellas at the ready; soldiers keeping their weapons at the ready.
interj.
19. (used in calling the start of a race to indicate that racers should be prepared to start): Ready! Set! Go!
[ 1150-1200; ME redy, early ME raedig, equiv. to OE raede prompt + -ig -Y 1 ]
Syn. 1. fit, set. 3. agreeable, glad, happy. 4. alert, acute, sharp, keen, adroit, facile, clever, skillful, nimble, adaptable.
Ant. 1. unfit. 3. unwilling.
Usage . See already .