soonest
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb 1. Superlative form of "soon": Indicates the shortest possible time or the earliest possible moment among given options or in comparison to all other possibilities. - Example: "Please reply at your soonest convenience." - Example: "We need the report soonest."
Usage
- "Soonest" is used to emphasize urgency or the absolute minimum delay. It is common in formal requests, business communication, and instructions.
- It often appears in set phrases like "at your soonest convenience" (as early as you can manage) or "as soon as possible" (often abbreviated as ASAP, with "soonest" being a more formal or emphatic variant).
- It can function as an adverb on its own, typically at the end of a request or instruction.
Examples
- In formal requests:
- Please send the signed documents soonest.
- Kindly provide your feedback at your soonest convenience.
- Comparing timeframes:
- Of all the delivery options, this one will get it to you soonest.
- The soonest we can schedule a meeting is next Tuesday.
Advanced Usage
- "The soonest": Used with a defining clause (often starting with "that") to specify the absolute earliest time for a particular event or action.
- The soonest that the repairs can be completed is Friday.
- The soonest I can finish is by noon.
Variants and Related Words
- Soon (adverb): In a short time from now; before long.
- Example: "She will arrive soon."
- Sooner (comparative adverb): In a shorter time; more promptly. Also used in the idiom "sooner or later."
- Example: "Can you come sooner?"
- As soon as (conjunction): At the moment when; immediately after.
- Example: "Call me as soon as you arrive."
Synonyms
- Earliest: At the earliest possible time.
- Most promptly: With the greatest speed or immediacy.
- Most quickly: In the shortest amount of time.
Related Phrases
- At the earliest opportunity: As soon as it is possible to do so.
- We will address this issue at the earliest opportunity.
- At your earliest convenience: A polite phrase requesting someone to do something as soon as they are able.
- Please remit payment at your earliest convenience.
Adverb
- with the least delay
- the soonest I can arrive is 3 P.M.