What does readily mean?
Readily is an adverb meaning without hesitation, difficulty, or delay. It is especially useful when describing something that can be obtained, understood, or done easily, as in “The instructions were readily understood.” The word can also convey willingness or eagerness, often in contexts involving agreement, assistance, or acceptance. Readily is not restricted to British or American English and appears in both formal writing and everyday speech. Its several related meanings occasionally make it slightly ambiguous, but in most contexts it conveys a smooth and unhesitating response. For example, a person who “readily agreed” may be emphasizing willingness rather than speed, while “the materials were readily available” emphasizes ease of access. Because it combines ideas of promptness, lack of difficulty, and absence of reluctance, readily is a concise and elegant alternative to longer phrases such as “without hesitation” or “with ease.”
adverbWithout hesitation, difficulty, or delay; easily and promptly. It can also mean with willingness or eagerness.
- Without hesitation or reluctance; willingly.
- With ease or without difficulty.
- Quickly or promptly.
"The guide was readily available whenever we needed it."
"Most readers readily understood the instructions."
"When the proposal was introduced, the committee readily accepted it."
Readably means “in a ready manner”: the path from intention to action is clear, so action follows without fuss.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does readily come from?
Readily is formed from the adjective ready by adding the adverbial suffix -ly, literally giving the sense “in a ready manner.” Ready comes from Old English rǣd, meaning “ready” or “prepared,” and is related to cognate words in other Germanic languages, including German bereit and Dutch bereid. In modern English, the word readily developed its familiar associations with acting quickly, easily, and without reluctance.
How readily is actually used
Readily is common in formal and informal English. Its meaning can include ease, promptness, and willingness, so it does not always imply speed alone.
Easily confused with readily
Ready is an adjective describing someone or something that is prepared, while readily is an adverb describing how quickly, easily, or willingly something is done.