Definition

1. Adverb:

   • More readily or willingly: Used to indicate a stronger preference for one option over another, often in comparative constructions.
   • Earlier in time: The comparative form of "soon" or "early," indicating an action or event occurring before the expected or usual time.

2. Noun:

   • A native or resident of Oklahoma: (Chiefly US) A person from the U.S. state of Oklahoma. This usage originates from the historical term for settlers who entered the Oklahoma territory before the official start of the land run.

Examples of Usage

• Adverb (Preference): I would sooner walk than take the bus in this traffic. She said she'd sooner quit than agree to those unfair terms.

• Adverb (Time): If you arrive sooner, we can start the meeting early. The package arrived sooner than I had anticipated.

• Noun: He is a proud Sooner, born and raised in Tulsa. The museum celebrates the history of the Sooners and the land rush.

Advanced Usage

• "No sooner... than": Used to show that one thing happened immediately after another.
• "Would just as soon": A phrase with a similar meaning to "would sooner," expressing preference.

Variants and Related Words

• Soon (adverb): In or after a short time.
• Soonest (adverb, superlative): At the earliest possible time.

Synonyms

• Rather: More willingly; preferably.
• Earlier: Before the present or expected time.

Related Phrases

• Sooner or later: Eventually; at some unspecified future time.
• The sooner the better: Used to emphasize that something should happen as early as possible.

Notes on Usage

• When used to express preference ("would sooner"), it is typically followed by a bare infinitive (e.g., "go," "stay") or by "than" to introduce the less preferred alternative.
• The noun form "Sooner" is often capitalized when referring to the resident of Oklahoma or the historical settler.

Adverb

1. more readily or willingly
   • clean it well, preferably with warm water
   • I'd rather be in Philadelphia
   • I'd sooner die than give up
2. comparatives of `soon' or `early'
   • Come a little sooner, if you can
   • came earlier than I expected

Noun

1. a native or resident of Oklahoma