soon
soon
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "soon" is /suːn/.
/suːn/
Word Form Variations
"Soon" is primarily an adverb and does not have typical word form variations like singular/plural, or different verb tenses. It does have comparative and superlative forms:
Sooner (comparative)
Soonest (superlative)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Definition 1: In a short time from the present moment; before long.
Synonyms: shortly, presently, anon, promptly, quickly
Antonyms: later, eventually, never
Definition 2: At an early time; without delay.
Synonyms: early, rapidly, speedily, swiftly, without hesitation
Antonyms: late, tardily, slowly
Definition 3: Readily or willingly.
Synonyms: rather, preferably, gladly, willingly, happily
Antonyms: unwillingly, reluctantly, grudgingly
Examples of Use
Books: "The air grew cold, and he knew it would rain soon." (From The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, August 2020)
Newspapers: "Experts predict that interest rates could rise again soon, impacting mortgage holders." (The Wall Street Journal)
Online Publications: "Our new mobile app will be launching soon, offering enhanced features for all users." (TechCrunch)
Entertainment Mediums (Film): "I'll be back soon," a common line uttered by protagonists before facing danger. (Often heard in action or adventure films, e.g., No Time to Die, September 2021)
Entertainment Platforms (Streaming Service Promotion): "Coming Soon to Netflix: A gripping new drama series exploring the mysteries of the deep sea." (Netflix promotional material)
General Public Discourse: "See you soon!" (A common parting phrase among friends and acquaintances.)
General Public Discourse (Political Speech): "We must address these challenges, and we will do so very soon." (A statement often heard from politicians promising action.)
Entertainment Mediums (Music Lyrics): "And the times that you've been gone, I just knew you'd be back soon." (From the song "Soon" by LeAnn Rimes, March 1999)
10 Quotes Using Soon
"How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before it's June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?" (Dr. Seuss)
"I don't like the word soon because you don't know when it's going to sneak up on you and turn into NOW. Or maybe it'll be the kind of soon that never happens." (Kathryn Erskine, Mockingbird)
"No matter how long we live, we always seem to die too soon." (Rolf van der Wind)
"Forgive people when they laugh at your dreams, I assure you, In a matter of time, they soon will start dreaming." (Charmaine J. Forde)
"Did you think I will fall down, get up soon." (P.S. Jagadeesh Kumar)
"You should place a 911 call as soon as you are aware you are being followed." (Steven Magee)
"As a salaried employee you can make me work eighty hour weeks, but we will be parting company soon." (Steven Magee)
"We should learn early to enjoy being in solitude, because even in death, we are in solitude. John Joclebs Bassey, Night of a Thousand Thoughts." (John Joclebs Bassey, Night of a Thousand Thoughts)
"This too, shall pass." (Attributed to various sources, often popularized by Abraham Lincoln, but its exact origin is unknown)
"The best way to predict your future is to create it." (Abraham Lincoln)
Etymology
The word "soon" has a history that goes way back! It comes from the Old English word "sōna."
Originally, sōna didn't mean "in a little while" like "soon" does today. Instead, its first known meaning was "immediately" or "at once." So, if someone in Old English said they'd do something "sōna," they meant they'd do it right then and there, without any delay.
Over time, as English evolved into Middle English, the meaning of "sōna" (which became "sone" and then "soon") started to relax. It shifted from "right now" to "within a short time," or "before long," which is how we use it today. It's a neat example of how the meaning of a word can soften over hundreds of years, going from instant action to something that's still pretty quick, but not quite instant.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Soon
Sooner or later: Eventually; at some unspecified future time.
No sooner said than done: As soon as something is requested or decided, it is immediately carried out.
The sooner the better: Used to express that something should happen as quickly as possible.
Come soon enough: To arrive at the right or desired time, often implying a sense of urgency or anticipation.
Too soon: Indicating that something has happened prematurely, often with negative connotations (e.g., a joke told too soon after a tragedy).
Soon enough: At the right or an appropriate time; eventually.
Coming soon: Used to announce something that will be available or happening in the near future (e.g., a movie, a product).
He who hesitates is lost: (Uses a synonym, "hesitates," to imply the negative consequence of not acting soon enough).
In a jiffy: (Uses a synonym for "soon," meaning very quickly).
Before you know it: (Implies that something will happen very quickly, akin to "soon").
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of soon from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
