What does presently mean?
Presently is an adverb with two main uses. In its most common sense, it means at the present time or now, as in 'The service is presently unavailable.' This use is natural in both British and American English and can be replaced by currently or now. In more formal or literary contexts, presently can also mean shortly or in the near future, as in 'The report will be ready presently.' That older sense can sound somewhat formal or old-fashioned, and it may be mistaken for a synonym of currently if the surrounding context is not clear. Although presently is closely related etymologically to present, it is a distinct word and functions as an adverb rather than an adjective or noun. Its usefulness lies in combining a formal tone with the ability to express both current status and imminent events.
At the present time; now.
"The team is presently working on the next release."
This is the dominant modern sense in both British and American English.
Shortly; in the near future.
"The train will arrive presently."
This sense is chiefly formal, official, or literary and is less common in everyday conversation.
Presently can mean either right now or very soon, so context is everything.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does presently come from?
Presently was formed in the early 17th century from present and the adverbial suffix -ly. Present itself comes through Old French present from Latin praesens, meaning 'present, attending, or before the eyes.' The same Latin root underlies related forms such as presence, presentable, and presentation. The original sense of presently was 'at the present time'; the meaning 'shortly' developed separately in formal usage.
How presently is actually used
The sense meaning now is common in standard British and American English. The sense meaning shortly is especially associated with formal, official, and literary contexts, particularly in phrases such as 'presently available' or 'presently under consideration'; it can sound dated or bureaucratic in informal speech.
Easily confused with presently
Present is an adjective or noun meaning current or a gift, whereas presently is an adverb meaning now or, in some contexts, shortly.