soon

[ soon ]

adverb

, soon·er, soon·est.

1. within a short period after this or that time, event, etc.:

   We shall know soon after he calls.

2. before long; in the near future; at an early date:

   Let's leave soon.

3. promptly or quickly:

   He came as soon as he could.

4. readily or willingly:

   I would as soon walk as ride.

5. early in a period of time; before the time specified is much advanced:

   soon at night; soon in the evening.

6. Obsolete. immediately; at once; forthwith.

soon

/ suːn /

adverb

1. in or after a short time; in a little while; before long

   the doctor will soon be here

2. as soon as
   at the very moment that

   she burst into tears as soon as she saw him

3. as soon…as
   used to indicate that the second alternative mentioned is not preferable to the first

   I'd just as soon go by train as drive

Word History and Origins

Origin of soon¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English sōna; cognate with Old High German sān, Gothic suns

Word History and Origins

Origin of soon¹

Old English sōna; related to Old High German sāno, Gothic suns

Idioms and Phrases

see as soon as ; fool and his money are soon parted ; had rather (sooner) ; just as soon ; no sooner said than done ; speak too soon .

Example Sentences

There may soon be a gentler—and cheaper—way to destroy persistent and dangerous “forever chemicals.”

From Science Magazine

Washington expects that the mines - that officials say will be delivered soon - would be used on Ukraine's territory, but away from densely-populated areas.

From BBC

The Sidemen have been working together for more than a decade, and in recent months there have been rumours that the group may disband soon.

From BBC

In fact, phages did get a shot in the U.S. soon after their discovery.

From Salon

What soon became clear was the sheer magnitude of the government’s task.

From BBC

Related Words

• directly
• early
• instantly
• promptly
• quickly
• rapidly
• shortly
• speedily