frequently_asked_questions_files/Oxford Thesaurus.pdf

3 legible, decipherable, distinct: The print on that microfiche
is too small to be readable.
readily adv. 1 cheerfully, willingly, eagerly, ungrudgingly,
unhesitatingly, freely, gladly, happily, agreeably, graciously,
charitably: He always gave readily of his time to anyone who
sought his help, and we shall miss him sorely. 2 effortlessly,
easily, smoothly, without difficulty: I was able to get the
wheel off readily enough, getting it back on was the problem. 3
promptly, quickly, speedily, swiftly, apace, at once, without
delay, in no time, immediately, instantly, instantaneously,
instanter, straight away, right away, at or on short notice,
Colloq pronto: The police came readily but were unable to catch
the thieves, who had already escaped.
readiness n. 1 willingness, cheerfulness, good will, eagerness,
agreeableness, graciousness: Her readiness to help marked her
as truly charitable. 2 promptness, quickness; facility, ease,
skill, adroitness, expertness, proficiency: The readiness with
which he gave expert advice on gardening made him very popular
with his neighbours. 3 in readiness. See ready, 1, below.
ready adj. 1 prepared, (all) set, in readiness, in (proper) shape;
up, primed, ripe, fit, in condition; Colloq psyched (up): The
charge is ready for detonation. I'm ready for a good run in the
park. Are these apples ready for eating? Are you ready to meet
the girl of your dreams? 2 agreeable, consenting, acquiescent,
willing, content, eager, keen, happy, cheerful, genial,
gracious, cordial, friendly, well-disposed, enthusiastic, Colloq
game: Tim was always a ready accomplice to any mischief devised
by his brother. 3 apt, likely, inclined, disposed, given, prone:
She was all too ready to believe anything she was told. 4
about, liable, likely, apt; on the verge of, subject to, in
danger of, on the brink of, on the point of, close to: The
volcano seemed ready to erupt at any moment. 5 prompt, rapid,
quick, immediate, speedy, swift, punctual, timely: Alistair
seems to have a ready answer for everything. 6 clever, keen,
sharp, agile, deft, skilful, adroit, alert, bright, intelligent,
perceptive, quick: It was Carlotta's ready wit that first
attracted me. 7 on or at or to hand, handy, available,
accessible, at (one's) fingertips, at the ready, close at hand,
convenient: I don't have the ready cash for a new car at the
moment.