1
ready
/ˈrɛdi/
adjective
readier;
readiest
readier;
readiest
Britannica Dictionary definition of READY
[also more ready; most ready]
1
not used before a noun
:
prepared to do something
-
I'll be ready in 10 minutes.
-
“Can we leave now?” “I'm ready when you are.”
-
We didn't have much time to get ready [=to prepare] before they arrived.
-
(somewhat formal) We need more time to make ready.
—
often followed by to + verb
-
We are ready to make changes.
-
The kids are ready to go/leave.
-
Are you ready to learn/listen?
-
The boss is ready to speak to you now.
-
She got/made herself ready to go.
-
Doctors are ready and waiting to give help when it's needed.
—
often + for
-
She's busy getting the children ready for school.
-
Are you ready for your test?
-
We need time to get/make ready for the long trip.
-
The soldiers are ready for anything that the enemy might do.
2
not used before a noun
:
properly prepared or finished and available for use
-
Dinner is ready.
-
The college's new dormitory will be ready (by) next year.
-
Your prescription will be ready in about 20 minutes.
-
The car won't be ready until tomorrow.
-
We got everything ready for the party before the guests arrived.
3
not used before a noun
:
almost about to do something
4
not used before a noun
a
:
willing and eager to do something
-
She's always ready with advice. = She's always ready to give advice. [=she likes to give advice]
-
He is always ready to help his friends.
-
He was angry and ready for a fight.
b
:
needing or wanting something as soon as possible
—
usually + for
5
always used before a noun
:
quick and clever
6
always used before a noun
:
available for immediate use
(get) ready, (get) set, go
also British
ready, steady, go
— used as a command to start a race
ready to roll
—
see 1roll
2
ready
/ˈrɛdi/
verb
readies;
readied;
readying
readies;
readied;
readying
Britannica Dictionary definition of READY
[+ object]
formal
:
to prepare (someone or something)
-
They readied the room for guests.
-
She readied herself to speak.
-
We have to ready ourselves for a tough fight ahead.
3
ready
/ˈrɛdi/
noun
plural
readies
plural
readies
Britannica Dictionary definition of READY
at the ready
:
available for immediate use
the ready
British, informal
or
the readies
:
money that can be used immediately