First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1ready
adjective \ˈre-dē\
: prepared to do something
: properly prepared or finished and available for use
: almost about to do something
read·i·erread·i·est
Full Definition of READY
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>
— read·i·ness noun
— at the ready
: ready for immediate use <kept guns at the ready>
See ready defined for English-language learners
See ready defined for kids
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Origin of READY
Middle English redy; akin to Old English gerǣde ready, Gothic garaiths arranged
Related to READY
- Antonyms
- flat-footed, half-baked, half-cocked, underprepared, unprepared, unready
Synonym Discussion of READY
quick, prompt, ready, apt mean able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability. quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power <quick reflexes> <a keen quick mind>. prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response <prompt emergency medical care>. ready suggests facility or fluency in response <backed by a pair of ready assistants>. apt stresses the possession of qualities (as intelligence, a particular talent, or a strong bent) that makes quick effective response possible <an apt student> <her answer was apt and to the point>.
2ready
verb
: to prepare (someone or something)
read·iedready·ing
Full Definition of READY
transitive verb
: to make ready
See ready defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of READY
14th century
READY Defined for Kids
1ready
adjective \ˈre-dē\
read·i·erread·i·est
Definition of READY for Kids
1
: prepared for use or action <Dinner is ready.> <I'm ready to eat.>
2
: likely to do something <I was ready to cry.>
3
: willing 1 <I'm ready to help.>
4
: needing or wanting something as soon as possible <I'm ready for some sleep.>
5
: showing ease and promptness <a ready smile>
2ready
verb
read·iedready·ing
Definition of READY for Kids
: to prepare for use or action
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