Soon: meaning, definitions and examples
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soon
[suːn ]
Definition
in the near future
Happening or coming quickly, or after a very short time. Without delay; quickly; promptly. In a short time; shortly; presently. Before the usual or appointed time. In a prompt or timely manner.
Synonyms
before long, in a short time, promptly, quickly, shortly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| soon |
General use to indicate that something will happen in the near future without specifying an exact time.
|
| shortly |
Typically used to indicate that something will happen very soon, often in a matter of minutes.
|
| before long |
Used to imply that something is expected to happen in the relatively near future, but not immediately. It can often be found in narratives or storytelling.
|
| in a short time |
Used when you want to specifically emphasize the brief duration until something occurs.
|
| quickly |
Emphasizes the speed with which something is done, often referring to an action happening immediately or very rapidly.
|
| promptly |
Indicates that something will be done without delay. It has a formal tone and is often used in professional or serious contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- I will call you soon.
- She will arrive soon.
- We will leave soon.
- The movie will start soon.
- The meeting will be over soon.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from Old English 'sona', which means 'at once' or 'immediately'.
- It has connections to the Proto-Germanic word '*sunō', showing that many languages have similar words for 'soon'.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, waiting for something 'soon' often symbolizes hope and anticipation, like waiting for a loved one to return.
- The saying 'good things come to those who wait' is commonly used to encourage patience for future rewards.
Philosophy
- The concept of 'soon' can vary greatly between individuals; what feels soon to one person may feel like a long time to another.
- Philosophers discuss the relativity of time perception, especially when anticipating events.
Language and Usage
- 'Soon' can often be used in both spoken and written language to imply urgency or a promise of timeliness.
- In poetry, 'soon' is a popular word that evokes feelings and moods related to change and expectation.
Psychology
- The expectation of something happening soon can trigger feelings of excitement or anxiety, depending on the context.
- Psychological studies suggest that people often misjudge how soon they will achieve their goals, leading to planning fallacies.
Translations
Translations of the word "soon" in other languages:
🇵🇹 em breve
🇮🇳 जल्द ही
🇩🇪 bald
🇮🇩 segera
🇺🇦 скоро
🇵🇱 wkrótce
🇯🇵 すぐに
🇫🇷 bientôt
🇪🇸 pronto
🇹🇷 yakında
🇰🇷 곧
🇸🇦 قريبًا
🇨🇿 brzy
🇸🇰 čoskoro
🇨🇳 很快 (hěn kuài)
🇸🇮 kmalu
🇮🇸 bráðum
🇰🇿 жақында
🇬🇪 მალე (male)
🇦🇿 tezliklə
🇲🇽 pronto