The phrase "in readiness" means being prepared or ready for something. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ɪn ˈrɛdɪnɪs/. The first syllable, "in," is pronounced as /ɪn/, while the second syllable "readiness," is pronounced as /ˈrɛdɪnɪs/. The letter "a" in the suffix "-ness" makes an "i" sound because it is followed by the letter "n." The word "readiness" is spelled according to the common spelling rule, which pronounces "ea" as /ɛ/ and the suffix "-ness" as /nəs/.
The phrase "in readiness" is an idiomatic expression referring to the state of being prepared or fully prepared for a particular action, event, or situation. It denotes the readiness or state of being ready, indicating that the necessary measures or arrangements have been made in anticipation of something.
When something is said to be in readiness, it implies that all the required preparations, planning, or arrangements have been completed and are now in place, ready to be implemented or utilized when needed. It suggests a state of preparedness, implying that everything is set and no further actions are required before proceeding.
This phrase is commonly used in various contexts, such as military operations, emergency situations, or even everyday scenarios where one is expected to be prepared. For example, soldiers can be described as being in readiness for combat when they have undergone training, equipped themselves with appropriate gear, and are mentally prepared for battle.
In a broader sense, being in readiness can also refer to being mentally or emotionally prepared for something challenging or significant. It implies having the necessary readiness to face a situation, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional, and being equipped to handle it effectively.
Overall, the phrase "in readiness" emphasizes the state of being fully prepared, implying that all necessary measures have been taken and one is ready to take action or face whatever lies ahead.
The phrase in readiness does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of the preposition in and the noun readiness.
The noun readiness derives from the adjective ready, which traces its origins to the Old English word ræde, meaning prepared or prompt. It is related to the Old Norse word redda and the Dutch word gereed, both with similar meanings.
The preposition in has a multitude of meanings, including indicating location, state, or condition. In the case of in readiness, the preposition is used to denote being in a state of readiness or preparedness.
When combined, in readiness effectively means in a state of being ready or preparations made.