soon

American  

[soon] / sun /

adverb

sooner, soonest

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.

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soon British  

/ suːn /

adverb

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

   the doctor will soon be here

2. at the very moment that

   she burst into tears as soon as she saw him

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

   I'd just as soon go by train as drive

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soon Idioms  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of soon

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

Explanation

When someone says they'll be arriving soon, it means you won't have to wait much longer for them to show up because they will be there in the near future. The word soon is often used when there’s anticipation for something that’s about to happen. For example, “Dinner will be ready soon,” means it’ll be ready shortly. Soon can also add a sense of urgency to a request, as in “Please respond soon,” suggesting the need for a quick reply. In both cases, the word soon means that there shouldn't be a long wait.

Example Sentences

In new forecasts, the central bank said that if energy prices fall from current levels relatively soon, inflation would pick up to 3.6% by the end of this year, but fall back in 2027.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Gaurang says rising global costs - especially oil - will feed through soon.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

"I'm slightly better now, but I'm still struggling to breathe normally... It's like I'm always catching my breath," he said, adding he hoped the fire would "be extinguished soon".

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Yet that buffer — a crucial way to meet global oil demand so far — could start to buckle as soon as early June, according to strategists at J.P.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

But Willem could do nothing routinely—especially pray—and soon the meeting was attended by dozens of Haarlemers hungry for something to believe in, this fourth year of the occupation.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

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