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soon

SaySOON/sun/UK/suːn/

Adverbsooner, soonest

Adjectivesooner, soonest

6 meanings of soon

Practice

  1. 1
    shortlyadverb
    In a short time, not long from now or after something happens.

    Like waiting for a bus that is already on its way: not here yet, but not long now.

    Dinner will be ready soon, I promise.

    He got lost, but he soon found the right road again.

    UsageSay as soon as and soon after: as soon as I can.

    Similarshortly, quickly, presently, promptly

  2. 2
    willinglyadverb
    Happily or willingly. Used with 'would', often to say what someone would rather do.

    I would just as soon stay home tonight as go to the party.

    She would sooner walk than ask him for a ride.

    UsageSay I'd sooner do this than that.

    Similarrather, gladly, willingly, readily

    Note
  3. 3
    adjective
    In a short time. If you are soon to do something, you will do it shortly.

    She is soon to start her first job.

    The old bridge is soon to be torn down.

    Similarabout

    Note
  4. 4
    early houradverbdialectal
    Early, before the usual or expected time.
    How is it that ye are come so soon to day?
    1611, The Holy Bible, King James Version
    “Been huntin’ fuh mah mule. Anybody seen ’im?” he asked. “Seen ’im soon dis mornin’ over behind de school-house,” Lum said. “’’Bout ten o’clock or so. He musta been out all night tuh be way over dere dat early.”
    1937, Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God

    Similarearly

    Oppositelate

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 5
    earlier than usualadjectivedialectalUS
    Early, coming or starting before the usual time.
    They were different from colored folks who had to be out to get a soon start.
    2000, Laurence G. Avery, A Paul Green Reader
    Got up pretty early, ate a soon breakfast, had the sulky and was about to start to Newtown when it commenced raining..
    1997, Dorothy Stanaland Samuel, Taliaferro Leslie Samuel

    Similarearly, premature

    Oppositelate

    Note
  2. 6
    at onceadverbobsolete
    Right away, at that very moment, with no waiting at all.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Old English sōna, meaning "immediately" or "at once." It goes back to older Germanic words with the same meaning.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts