Sooner: meaning, definitions and examples

Generally used to indicate that something happens or would happen earlier than expected.

• I'd like to finish this task sooner rather than later
• He showed up sooner than we thought

Used to refer to a previous point in time or to indicate that something time-specific happened ahead of some other point in time.

• I finished my project earlier than expected
• She arrived earlier than everyone else

Used to indicate an earlier time in relation to a specific point or event.

• I have seen this movie before
• Finish your homework before you go out

Formal alternative to 'before', often used in organizational, legal, or academic contexts to mean something happened earlier.

• Prior to joining the company, she worked in marketing
• The meeting was rescheduled to a prior date

Used as a nickname for people from Oklahoma, specifically referring to the settlers who entered the territory during the Land Run of 1889. It carries historical connotations and can be somewhat neutral or positive depending on the context.

• He proudly calls himself a Sooner
• The football team is named the Oklahoma Sooners

Used to describe a person from the state of Oklahoma or something related to the state. It is generally positive or neutral and used in both formal and informal contexts.

• She is an Oklahoman by birth
• The Oklahoman culture is very rich