presently

/'prezntli/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
presently

The doctor will arrive presently.

Definition
  1. Adverb:
    • At the present time; now: Indicates something happening or existing at the current moment.
    • In a short time; soon: Indicates that something will happen after a short period from the present moment.
Usage Examples
  • Adverb (meaning: now):
    • The manager is presently unavailable; please call back later.
    • She is presently working on a new research project.
  • Adverb (meaning: soon):
    • I will be with you presently; just let me finish this email.
    • The results will be announced presently.
Advanced Usage
  • "Presently" vs. "Currently": While both can mean "now," "presently" can be ambiguous as it also means "soon." In formal writing, "currently" is often preferred for clarity when meaning "at the present time."
    • The company is currently (or presently) reviewing all applications.
  • Position in a sentence: "Presently" is often placed before the main verb or at the beginning/end of a clause.
    • He is presently residing abroad.
    • Presently, a solution was found.
    • The guests will arrive presently.
Variants and Related Words
  • Present (adj): Existing or occurring now.
    • What is your present address?
  • Presence (n): The state of being in a particular place.
    • Your presence is required at the meeting.
Synonyms
  • Currently, now, at present (for the meaning "now").
  • Shortly, soon, before long, in a little while (for the meaning "soon").
Related Phrases
  • For the present: For now; temporarily.
    • This solution will work for the present.
  • At present: At the current time.
    • At present, we have no further information.
Notes on Usage
  • The dual meaning of "presently" (both "now" and "soon") can sometimes cause confusion. The intended meaning is usually clear from the context (e.g., verb tense).
    • Present tense context suggests "now": She is presently on leave.
    • Future tense context suggests "soon": She will return presently.
  • In some regional dialects, particularly Scottish English, "presently" almost exclusively means "at the present time."
presently

The doctor will arrive presently.

Adverb
  1. at this time or period; now
    • he is presently our ambassador to the United Nations
    • currently they live in Connecticut
  2. in the near future
    • the doctor will soon be here
    • the book will appear shortly
    • she will arrive presently
    • we should have news before long