soon
UK: suːn | US: suːn
Definition
adv. in a short time; before long
adv. early; quickly
adv. willingly or readily (archaic)
Structure
No data yet.
Etymology
The word "soon" traces back to Old English sōna, meaning "immediately" or "at once." It shares roots with Old High German sān (at once) and Old Norse sónar (immediately). Over time, its meaning softened from "immediately" to "in a short time," reflecting a shift in urgency. The archaic sense of "willingly" (e.g., "I would as soon stay") stems from the idea of promptness in choice.
Examples
She will arrive soon after lunch.
The project was completed sooner than expected.
He left too soon, missing the surprise.
"I'd just as soon walk as take the bus," she said.
Summer will be here soon.