What does "iam pridem" mean?

The phrase "iam pridem" translates to "for a long time now." In Latin, "iam" generally means "now" or "already," and "pridem" is associated with a sense of time that suggests something that has been true or ongoing for an extended period. Together, they convey the idea that something has been the case for a significant duration leading up to the present moment. This understanding aligns with the context used in Cicero's works, where the phrase often indicates a continued state or condition that has existed over time.

In contrast, the other options suggest different time frames that do not match the inherent meaning of "iam pridem." "Just recently" implies a very short timeframe, "for a short period" also suggests a limited duration, and "at this moment" refers to the present instant, all of which conflict with the notion of a prolonged circumstance encapsulated by "iam pridem."