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

Example Sentences

Yet success soon turned to sourness in his relationship with the hierarchy.

From BBC

She had married an Islamic State fighter soon after arriving and went on to have three children, none of whom survived.

From BBC

And many predict the retail crowd isn’t leaving any time soon.

From The Wall Street Journal

He is wrong to think peace is always better when it comes sooner.

From The Wall Street Journal

Top fire commanders soon made plans to finish mopping up the scene and to leave with their equipment, according to text messages obtained by The Times through a state Public Records Act request.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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