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

"As soon as I arrived in Port Sudan, I prostrated in the airport and cried intensely because I never imagined I would reach a safe haven," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Morgan warned External link that the aging grid is susceptible to both human and natural threats if something isn’t done—and soon.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

He soon began giving interviews and organizing antigovernment rallies around the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

She said she will soon be making a report to law enforcement.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

The children, still arguing, were unaware what horror would soon befall them.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Related Words

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