What does "soon" mean?

1. (in a short time) in a short time from now or after a specific event. 2. (early) at an early time or before the expected time. 3. (willingly) used with 'would' to show you prefer one thing over another. 4. (happening in a short time) happening or coming in a short time.

How do you use "soon"?

Usually appears in the construction 'would just as soon'. Often functions as a predicative adjective or part of a compound modifier.

Is it correct to say "I will see you soonly."?

No — say "I will see you soon.". 'Soon' is already an adverb; do not add '-ly' to it.

soon

adv. · adj.

US //ˈsun// UK //sˈuːn// soon

1 in a short time (adv.)
A1 Beginner

in a short time from now or after a specific event.

within a short period of time after the present or after a previously mentioned point.

Example

The sun will set soon, so we should start walking back to the car.

Example

The researchers expect to publish their preliminary findings soon, provided the final round of data verification proceeds without any technical delays.
- shortly
- presently
- later
Pitfall

I will see you soonly.

I will see you soon.

'Soon' is already an adverb; do not add '-ly' to it.
2 early (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Dialect

at an early time or before the expected time.

at an early point in time; often used in specific regional dialects to mean 'early in the day'.

Example

He woke up soon this morning to finish his chores before the heat.

Example

In certain rural communities, it is common to hear residents speak of rising soon to tend to the livestock before the sun is high.
- early
- betimes
- late

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3 willingly (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

used with 'would' to show you prefer one thing over another.

readily or willingly; almost exclusively used with the modal 'would' to express a preference.

Example

I would just as soon stay home as go to that loud party.

Example

The director admitted he would just as soon cancel the project entirely than see his original vision compromised by budget cuts.

Usage

Usually appears in the construction 'would just as soon'.
- rather
- willingly
4 happening in a short time (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

happening or coming in a short time.

occurring or arriving within a short interval; typically used in the phrase 'soon to be'.

Example

The soon-to-be bride spent the morning at the flower shop.

Example

The soonest available appointment is next Tuesday, as the consultant is currently attending a conference abroad.

Usage

Often functions as a predicative adjective or part of a compound modifier.
- imminent
- forthcoming
- distant

Origin

From Middle English sone, from Old English sōna (“immediately, at once”), from Proto-West Germanic sān(ō), from Proto-Germanic sēna, sēnô (“immediately, soon, then”), from sa (demonstrative pronoun), from Proto-Indo-European *só (demonstrative pronoun). Cognate with Scots sone, sune, schone (“soon, quickly, at once”), North Frisian san (“immediately, at once”), dialectal Dutch zaan (“soon, before long”), Middle Low German sân (“right afterwards, soon”), Middle High German sān, son (“soon, then”), Old High German sār (“immediately, soon”). Compare also Gothic 𐍃𐌿𐌽𐍃 (suns, “immediately, soon”), from Proto-Germanic *suniz (“soon”).

Idioms2 entries