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ready definition

ready (redē)

adjective readier read′i·er, readiest read′i·est

  1. prepared or equipped to act or be used immediately ready to go, ready for occupancy
  2. unhesitant; willing a ready worker
    1. likely or liable immediately ready to cry
    2. apt; inclined always ready to blame others
  3. clever and skillful mentally or physically; dexterous a ready wit
  4. done or made without delay; prompt a ready reply
  5. convenient or handy to use; available immediately ready cash
  6. Obsolete at hand; present: a response to a roll call

Etymology: ME redie < OE ræde, ready, prepared (for riding), akin to ridan, to ride, Ger bereit, ready, ON greithr, prepared, Goth garaiths, arranged: for IE base see ride

transitive verb readied read′·ied, readying read′y·ing

to get or make ready; prepare: often used reflexively

noun

Brit., Informal ready money; cash at hand: usually with the
ready Idioms

at the ready

in a position or state of being prepared for immediate use to hold a gun at the ready

make ready

  1. to prepare; get in order
  2. to dress

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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