Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Soon
Soon
(soōn)
, adv.
[OE.
sone
, AS. sōna
; cf. OFries. sōn
, OS. sāna
, sāno
, OHG. sār
, Goth. suns
.] 1.
In a short time; shortly after any time specified or supposed;
“Sooner said than done.” as,
. soon
after sunriseOld Proverb.
“As soon as it might be.” Chaucer.
She finished, and the subtle fiend his lore
Soon
learned. Milton.
2.
Without the usual delay; before any time supposed; early.
How is it that ye are come so
soon
to-day? Ex. ii. 18.
3.
Promptly; quickly; easily.
Small lights are
soon
blown out, huge fires abide. Shakespeare
4.
Readily; willingly; – in this sense used with would, or some other word expressing will.
I would as
soon
see a river winding through woods or in meadows, as when it is tossed up in so many whimsical figures at Versailles. Addison.
As soon as
, or So soon as
immediately at or after another event.
“As soon as he came nigh unto the camp . . . he saw the calf, and the dancing.” Ex. xxxii. 19.
See So . . . as
, under So
. – Soon at
, as soon as; or, as soon as the time referred to arrives.
[Obs.]
“I shall be sent for soon at night.” Shak.
– Sooner or later
, at some uncertain time in the future;
– as, he will discover his mistake
. sooner or later
With the soonest
, as soon as any; among the earliest; too soon.
[Obs.]
Holland.
Soon
,Adj.
Speedy; quick.
[Obs.]
Shak.
Webster 1828 Edition
Soon
SOON
,adv.
1.
In a short time; shortly after any time specified or supposed; as soon after sunrise; soon after dinner; I shall soon return; we shall soon have clear weather.2.
Early; without the usual delay; before any time supposed. How is it that ye have come so soon to-day? Ex. 2.3.
Readily; willingly. But in this sense it accompanies would, or some other word expressing will. I would as soon see a river winding among woods or in meadows, as when it is tossed up in so many whimsical figures at Versailles.