Soonest: meaning, definitions and examples

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soonest

 

[ˈsuːnɪst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

time reference

Soonest is used to indicate the earliest possible time that something can happen. It suggests urgency or a preference for a quick resolution.

Synonyms

earliest, quickest, soon.

Examples of usage

  • We need to finish this project soonest to meet the deadline.
  • Please let me know your decision soonest.
  • I will call you back soonest if I receive any updates.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'soon' comes from the Old English 'sona', meaning 'at once' or 'immediately'.
  • Adding ‘-est’ makes it a superlative, indicating it’s the most immediate among other options.
  • The form 'soonest' has been in use since the 13th century in English texts.

Psychology

  • Understanding concepts of time, like 'soonest', helps children grasp scheduling and prioritizing tasks.
  • Psychological studies show that people often misjudge time frames, typically perceiving 'soon' as quicker than it actually is.
  • Being able to communicate urgency accurately can improve social interactions and planning.

Literature

  • The use of 'soonest' appears frequently in poetry to convey longing or anticipation for an event.
  • In Shakespeare’s works, timing and urgency are often highlighted through the use of superlatives like 'soonest'.
  • Famous novels often set climactic moments with phrases emphasizing time constraints, enhancing the story's tension.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, sayings or proverbs about timing and immediacy emphasize the value of prompt action.
  • Pop culture often depicts characters racing against time, declaring they’ll do things 'the soonest' for dramatic effect.
  • In modern vernacular, 'the sooner, the better' parallels the concept of 'soonest' as it advocates for urgency.

Science

  • In physics, understanding 'soonest' can relate to the speed of light and time travel concepts in theoretical scenarios.
  • In ecology and environmental science, researchers track seasonal changes, often referencing 'soonest' in migration patterns.
  • Meteorology uses timing language like 'soonest' when forecasting weather events for immediate action responses.

Translations

Translations of the word "soonest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais cedo

🇮🇳 जल्द से जल्द

🇩🇪 bald

🇮🇩 secepatnya

🇺🇦 найшвидше

🇵🇱 najwcześniej

🇯🇵 できるだけ早く

🇫🇷 le plus tôt

🇪🇸 lo más pronto posible

🇹🇷 en kısa sürede

🇰🇷 가장 빨리

🇸🇦 في أقرب وقت ممكن

🇨🇿 co nejdříve

🇸🇰 najskôr

🇨🇳 尽快

🇸🇮 najhitreje

🇮🇸 sem fyrst

🇰🇿 ең тез

🇬🇪 ყველაზე სწრაფად

🇦🇿 ən tez

🇲🇽 lo más pronto posible

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,929, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.