presently

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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 15th century and is still the dominant meaning in American English. In British English it has been largely overtaken by the second sense 'in a while, soon', although the older meaning has begun to reappear under the American influence. The two meanings are shown by the examples that follow: (newer meaning)

Her feet hurt and she was thirsty. Presently she set off to walk back to her lodgings—Hilary Mantel, 1986

(older meaning) According to the spokesperson, the study presently is under peer review—The New Farm, American English 2003 [Old English (up to 1150)C].

The context normally makes clear which meaning is intended, but ambiguity can be avoided by using synonyms such as at present, now, or currently in the older meaning and soon, shortly, in a while, imminently, etc. in the other meaning. See also momentarily.

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adv

Definition: in a short while
Antonyms: eventually, later, never

IN BRIEF: adv. - In the near future; At this time or period.

Presently the wind cups ceased their gentle turning as the cold killed the breeze. — Richard E. Byrd, Source: Alone, Admiral Byrd's personal record

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For a list of words related to presently, see:

• Relative Time - presently: (adv) soon

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Dansk (Danish)
adv. - snart, straks

Nederlands (Dutch)
nu, aanstonds, spoedig

Français (French)
adv. - à présent, en ce moment, peu de temps après, bientôt

Deutsch (German)
adv. - bald, zur Zeit

Ελληνική (Greek)
adv. - σε λίγο, σύντομα, αμέσως, παρευθύς, (λίαν) προσεχώς

Italiano (Italian)
tra poco, ora, subito

Português (Portuguese)
adv. - presentemente, logo

Русский (Russian)
вскоре, в настоящее время, сразу

Español (Spanish)
adv. - luego, dentro de poco, ahora

Svenska (Swedish)
adv. - snart, för närvarande

中文（简体）(Chinese (Simplified))
目前, 不久

中文（繁體）(Chinese (Traditional))
adv. - 目前, 不久

한국어 (Korean)
adv. - 이내, 곧

日本語 (Japanese)
adv. - まもなく, じきに, やがて, 現在, 目下

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(ظرف) حاليا‏

עברית (Hebrew)
adv. - ‮בשעה זו, עתה, בקרוב, מיד‬

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