The spelling of the word "ready made" is somewhat unusual when compared to other compound words in English. The first part of the word, "ready," is pronounced /ˈrɛdi/, while the second part, "made," is pronounced /meɪd/. The pronunciation of "ready" follows typical English spelling conventions, while "made" is pronounced with a long "a" sound due to the silent "e" at the end of the word. Despite its unconventional spelling, "ready made" is a commonly used term to describe pre-existing products that don't require assembly.
Ready-made refers to an item, usually a product or object, that has been designed, produced, and made available for immediate use or purchase without the need for any further assembly or customization. It refers to goods that are readily available, pre-fabricated, and ready to be used or sold without needing any additional alterations or modifications.
The term "ready-made" originated in the art world in the early 20th century, particularly associated with the Dada movement. It referred to everyday objects that were incorporated into art, challenging traditional notions of artistic expression. These objects were chosen for their banality and mass-produced nature, and were often displayed as art installations or sculpture. The concept of ready-made also challenged the idea that art had to be unique and handmade.
Beyond the art context, ready-made now commonly refers to any product that is pre-manufactured and ready to be used. This includes items like clothing, furniture, appliances, and other consumer goods that are produced on a large scale and readily available for purchase. Ready-made products are popular because they save time and effort, as they do not require any additional construction or customization. They are convenient for consumers seeking immediate solutions and allow for mass production and distribution, reducing costs and increasing accessibility.
The term "ready-made" originates from the combination of two words: "ready" and "made".
The word "ready" comes from the Old English word "ræde", which means "prepared" or "prompt". It derived from the Proto-Germanic word "raidō", denoting "preparedness" or "readiness".
The word "made" comes from the Old English word "macian", which means "to make" or "to create". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "makōną", with the same meaning.
When these two words are combined, "ready-made" refers to an item or product that is readily available or already produced, and does not require further assembly or alteration. The term is commonly used to describe pre-made or off-the-shelf goods that are ready for immediate use or consumption.