under way
Definition
Adverb 1. In progress; having started and continuing: Used to describe an activity, event, or process that has begun and is currently happening or proceeding. 2. In motion (especially of a ship): Having started a voyage or journey; no longer at anchor or moored.
Usage
The phrase "under way" (also written as "underway") functions as an adverb or adjective to describe something that is actively happening or moving. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate the commencement and continuation of an action.
Examples
- Adverb (General Progress):
- Preparations for the conference are now under way.
- Negotiations between the two companies are finally under way.
- Adverb (Maritime Context):
- With the anchor raised, the ship was soon under way.
- The captain announced that the vessel would get under way at dawn.
Advanced Usage
- "to get under way": To begin, to start a process or journey.
- The meeting got under way shortly after 9 AM.
- The convoy got under way under the cover of darkness.
- "well under way": Significantly advanced or progressing successfully.
- By the time we arrived, the party was already well under way.
- Construction on the new bridge is well under way.
Variants and Related Words
- Underway (adj): Often used as a single word, especially in American English, with the same meaning (e.g., ).
- Commencement (n): The beginning of something.
- Ongoing (adj): Continuing to exist or develop.
Synonyms
- In progress
- Ongoing
- Afoot
- Started
- Begun
Related Phrases
- Set in motion: To start something, such as a process.
- The new policy set a series of reforms in motion.
- Up and running: Operating normally after a start-up phase.
- The new computer system is finally up and running.
Related Idioms
- Full steam ahead: Proceeding with maximum energy and speed. (Often used after something is under way).
- Now that the planning is complete, it's full steam ahead on the project.
Adverb
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in motion; set in motion
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the ship got under way
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