presently
UK: ˈprɛz(ə)ntli | US: ˈprɛz(ə)ntli
adv. 1. At the present time; now.
adv. 2. In a short time; soon.
The word "presently" originates from Middle English, combining "present" (from Old French "present," meaning "current" or "at hand") and the adverbial suffix "-ly" (from Old English "-lice," forming adverbs). Initially, it meant "immediately" or "at once," but over time, its primary meaning shifted to "now" in modern usage, while retaining a secondary sense of "soon" in some dialects. The evolution reflects a gradual broadening from immediacy to general present-time reference.
She is presently working on a new project.
The guests will arrive presently.
He is presently unavailable for comment.
The results will be published presently.
Presently, the company focuses on sustainability.