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

"We urge them to do that as soon as possible."

From BBC

His mother, Shefali Rani Das, breaks down as soon as visitors enter.

From BBC

"I reached out to Michael very, very soon after that and we managed to stay in contact over the last few years and develop a relationship," he said.

From BBC

But incumbent CEOs are generally stepping down sooner than they traditionally have.

From The Wall Street Journal

Maybe they don’t have to stop working as soon as they fear.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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