What does ready mean?
Ready describes a person, thing, plan, or situation that is prepared for what comes next. A ready team has the necessary skills and equipment; a ready volunteer is willing to act; and a ready solution is suitable for immediate use. The word can also indicate eagerness, as in “ready to learn,” or availability, as in “the room is ready.” In informal conversation, “Are you ready?” often asks whether someone is prepared and willing to proceed. Ready is especially useful because it can unite the ideas of preparation, willingness, and availability without specifying which one applies. Related forms include readiness, meaning the condition of being prepared, and readily, meaning without delay or hesitation.
Prepared, willing, able, or available to act, respond, or be used.
"We are ready to start whenever you give the signal."
The exact sense depends on context: readiness, willingness, availability, or convenience.
In a state of readiness, especially in literary or archaic usage.
"The soldiers stood ready at the gates."
This use is now uncommon; ordinary modern usage normally places the word within a phrase such as “ready to act.”
The word ready reaches far beyond preparedness: it can describe a meal, a plan, an offer, a person, or even a moment when opportunity strikes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ready come from?
The modern word developed from Old English rǣdig, meaning prepared, capable, or competent. Its Germanic ancestor was formed from a wider Indo-European root associated with making something ready or fit, and it is related to words such as read, rede, and advice. Over time, its meanings expanded from readiness and capability to willingness, availability, and ease of action.
Related word forms
How ready is actually used
The word is common in everyday speech and formal writing. In informal contexts, “Ready?” often means “Are you willing and prepared?” The phrase “ready to go” may mean fully prepared, but it can also describe something that has received approval or permission.
Easily confused with ready
Ready means prepared, willing, or available, whereas read means to look at and understand written material.