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; as, soon after sunrise. “Sooner said than done.” Old Proverb. “As soon as it might be.” Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ] She finished, and the subtle fiend his lore
Soon learned. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Without the usual delay; before any time supposed; early. [ 1913 Webster ] How is it that ye are come so soon to-day? Ex. ii. 18. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Promptly; quickly; easily. [ 1913 Webster ] Small lights are soon blown out, huge fires abide. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Readily; willingly; -- in this sense used with would, or some other word expressing will. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ 1913 Webster ]
| 
