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soon(2) (iou)



soon adverb. [su:n]
[Old English sona = Old Frisian son, Old Saxon sano, san(a, Old High German san, from West Germanic, perh. rel. to Gothic suns immediately.]
1. Within a short time, before long, quickly. Formerly also, without delay, straightaway, immediately. OE.
F. Swinnerton One day soon she would refurnish the entire flat. I. Murdoch I must go back soon, perhaps tomorrow.
2. a. Early; before the time specified or referred to is much advanced. ME.
E. Peacock It was not a moment too soon. H. Hornsby I'll come back soon in the morning.
b. At an early stage, date, period, etc. E17.
3. In compar.: more quickly, readily, or easily (than); earlier (than); preferably, rather. ME.
W. S. Maugham I'd much sooner call you Edward. H. James He hasn't broached the question sooner because their return was uncertain. G. Vidal She had come away from Rome sooner than planned.
4. In superl.: most quickly, readily, etc. Now freq., as soon as possible. ME.
C. Simmons Get a wire off to Tony soonest.
Phrases: as soon (as) (a) as quickly (as), as early (as); (b) as readily (as); (c) (now rare) with as much reason or likelihood (as). as soon as at the very time or moment when; see also soon as below. at soonest, at the soonest at the earliest. LEAST said, soonest mended. no sooner not earlier. no sooner..but, no sooner..than = as soon as above. soon after (a) shortly after, before long; (b) not long after, within a short time from. soon afterwards = soon after above. soon as (poet. or colloq.) = as soon as above. sooner or later at some time or other, eventually. soon or late = sooner or later above. soon or syne: see SYNE adverb 2. so soon so quickly, so early. so soon as = as soon as above. the sooner the more quickly, the earlier.
soonish adverb L19.
soonly adverb (now rare) soon, quickly, speedily L15.
soonness [-n-n-] noun (now rare) M17.