soon

/su:n/
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soon

The bus will arrive soon at the bus stop.

Definition

Adverb: 1. In a short time from now; in the near future. Refers to something happening not long after the present moment or a specified time. 2. Early; quickly. Refers to something happening before the expected or usual time, or with little delay. 3. Readily or willingly. Used in comparative constructions like "just as soon" or "sooner" to express a preference.

Usage
  • Soon is used to indicate that an event will happen in a short period of time. It can stand alone or be modified by words like "very," "quite," "too," or "enough."
  • It is commonly used in phrases that establish a sequence or condition, such as "as soon as" or "no sooner... than."
  • When expressing preference, it is used in the comparative form "sooner" within set phrases.
Examples
  • Basic Usage (Near Future):
    • The doctor will soon be here.
    • We should have news soon.
    • I will call you soon.
  • Basic Usage (Early/Quickly):
    • You spoke too soon; the results aren't final.
    • Please reply as soon as you can.
  • With Comparative (Preference):
    • I would just as soon stay home tonight. (I would prefer to stay home.)
    • He said he'd sooner resign than agree to those terms. (He would prefer to resign.)
Advanced Usage
  • "as soon as": At the moment when; immediately after.
    • Call me as soon as you arrive.
  • "no sooner... than": Used to say that one thing happens immediately after another. Often used with inversion ("No sooner had I... than...").
    • No sooner had I sat down than the phone rang.
  • "sooner or later": At some unspecified time in the future; eventually.
    • If you keep practicing, sooner or later you will succeed.
  • "The sooner the better": Used to emphasize that something should happen as early as possible.
    • We need to fix this leak, and the sooner the better.
Variants and Related Words
  • Sooner (comparative adverb): 1. More soon; in a shorter time. 2. More readily or willingly (in expressions of preference).
    • I can't get there any sooner than 6 PM.
    • I'd sooner walk than take that crowded bus.
  • Soonest (superlative adverb): In the shortest time; most quickly (often used in formal or dated contexts).
    • Please reply at your soonest convenience.
Synonyms
  • Shortly: In a short time; soon. (e.g., )
  • Presently: Soon; after a short time. (e.g., )
  • Before long: After a short period of time. (e.g., )
  • Imminently: About to happen very soon. (Suggests something is impending.)
Related Idioms
  • Sooner said than done: Used to say that something is easier to talk about than to actually do.
    • "Finding a cheap apartment in the city center is sooner said than done."
  • Least said, soonest mended: A proverb meaning that saying less about a problem or argument will help it be resolved more quickly.
  • At the earliest opportunity: As soon as it is possible to do so (a more formal equivalent).
    • We will address the issue at the earliest opportunity.
soon

The bus will arrive soon at the bus stop.

Adverb
  1. in the near future
    • the doctor will soon be here
    • the book will appear shortly
    • she will arrive presently
    • we should have news before long