Dictionary of troublesome word. Bill Bryson. 2013.
present, presently — Like current and currently, these two often appear needlessly in sentences, as here: A new factory, which is presently under construction in Manchester, will add to capacity (Times). The sentence says as much without presently as with it … Dictionary of troublesome word
presently — There are two meanings which serve well to illustrate the interactions of British and American English. The older meaning ‘at the present time, now’ dates from the 15c and is still the dominant meaning in AmE. In BrE it has been largely overtaken … Modern English usage
Presently — Pres ent*ly, adv. 1. At present; at this time; now. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] The towns and forts you presently have. Sir P. Sidney. [1913 Webster] 2. At once; without delay; forthwith; also, less definitely, soon; shortly; before long; after a… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
presently — (adv.) late 14c., immediately, at this time, from PRESENT (Cf. present) (adj.) + LY (Cf. ly) (2). By 1560s it had relaxed into sooner or later … Etymology dictionary
present — , presently Like current and currently, these two often appear needlessly in sentences, as here: A new factory, which is presently under construction in Manchester, will add to capacity. The sentence says as much without presently as with it … Bryson’s dictionary for writers and editors
presently — ► ADVERB 1) after a short time; soon. 2) at the present time; now … English terms dictionary
presently — [prez′ənt lē] adv. 1. in a little while; soon 2. at present; now: a usage objected to by some 3. Archaic at once; instantly … English World dictionary
presently — /prez euhnt lee/, adv. 1. in a little while; soon: They will be here presently. 2. at the present time; now: He is presently out of the country. 3. Archaic. immediately. [1350 1400; ME; see PRESENT1, LY] Syn. 1. shortly, forthwith. Ant. 1. later … Universalium
presently — pres•ent•ly [[t]ˈprɛz ənt li[/t]] adv. 1) in a little while; soon 2) at the present time; now 3) archaic immediately • Etymology: 1350–1400 syn: See immediately usage: The meaning “now” of presently dates back to the 15th century; it is currently … From formal English to slang
present — 1 / prezFnt/ adjective 1 be present a) to be in a particular place: How many people were present at the meeting yesterday? | small amounts of gas present in the atmosphere b) to be felt strongly or remembered for a long time: The memory of her… … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
