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sooner — at an earlier time than expected or usual; more quickly

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: at an earlier time than expected or usual; more quickly

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsuːnər/

Example Sentences

  • I'd sooner eat a bug than take another math test.
  • The pizza arrived sooner than I thought, but I was still in my pajamas.
  • Sooner or later, we'll all have to learn how to use new technology.

sooner

ADVERB

[/ˈsuːnər/]

at an earlier time than expected or usual; more quickly

While the slow man missed the departing train, the smart girl left her house sooner and easily boarded the train.
💡 Concept

While the slow man missed the departing train, the smart girl left her house sooner and easily boarded the train.

SOON(early) + ER(more) — by running ER(more) aggressively, the runner crossed the finish line even SOON(early), finishing the race sooner than his rival.
🧠 Mnemonic

SOON(early) + ER(more) — by running ER(more) aggressively, the runner crossed the finish line even SOON(early), finishing the race sooner than his rival.

After fixing the broken radio tuner, they received the secret lunar signal much sooner than anyone else.
🎵 Rhyme

After fixing the broken radio tuner, they received the secret lunar signal much sooner than anyone else.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈsuːnər/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈsuːnə(r)/

🌳Etymology

Rootsoon
Suffix--er

Origin

Sooner derives from Old English sōna, meaning 'immediately' or 'at once.' The comparative form developed by adding the suffix -er, creating the sense of 'more soon' or 'earlier in time.'

Breakdown

soon (immediately, at once) + -er (comparative suffix indicating greater degree). The -er suffix transforms the adverb into a comparative form meaning 'more quickly' or 'at an earlier time.'

🎵Rhyme

lunar
tuner
crooner

🔗Collocations

sooner or later
the sooner the better
would sooner
sooner than expected
no sooner than
arrive sooner

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“I'd sooner eat a bug than take another math test.”

😄 Fun example

“The pizza arrived sooner than I thought, but I was still in my pajamas.”

“Sooner or later, we'll all have to learn how to use new technology.”

“No sooner had I sat down than my phone started ringing.”

“The sooner you finish your homework, the sooner you can watch Netflix.”

📚Related Words

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