presently
/'prezntli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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."
Adverb
- at this time or period; now
- he is presently our ambassador to the United Nations
- currently they live in Connecticut
- 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