What does sooner mean?
“Sooner” is an adverb meaning earlier than expected or, in contexts involving requests and decisions, with less delay than might otherwise be the case. It can compare two points in time, as in “I would rather come sooner,” or express a preference for prompt action, as in “The sooner we begin, the better.” The word is also central to the familiar construction “no sooner ... than ...”, which links two closely connected events: “No sooner had she arrived than the phone rang.” Its connotation is generally practical rather than emotional; it suggests efficiency, urgency, or a preference for avoiding delay. Although “soon” describes a relatively near future time, “sooner” often carries a comparative force, implying that an earlier or faster course of action is preferable. In standard formal usage, “sooner” is especially associated with the idioms “sooner or later” and “the sooner the better.”
At an earlier time, or before the expected or preferred time; with the implication of promptness or urgency.
"Please let me know sooner if the schedule changes."
Common in comparisons and in expressions such as “sooner or later” and “the sooner the better.”
Earlier or more prompt; used as the comparative form of the adverb “soon”.
"They chose the sooner train in order to arrive before sunset."
This use is more literary or formal than the ordinary adverbial use.
No sooner had the door opened than the whole family rushed inside.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sooner come from?
“Sooner” developed from “soon” with the suffix “-er”, which forms the comparative of many adjectives and adverbs. The base word “soon” comes from Old English “sōna”, meaning soon or early, and was inherited into Middle English in that form. The comparative use of “sooner” became established in English during the Middle English period, while “soonest” developed as its superlative.
Related word forms
How sooner is actually used
“Sooner” is standard and formal-neutral in both British and American English. In the construction “no sooner ... than ...”, it is normally followed by a past-tense clause beginning with “than”; “no sooner ... when ...” is common in some regional and informal usage but is not usually preferred in formal writing.
Easily confused with sooner
“Soon” means in the near future or after a short time, whereas “sooner” usually means at an earlier time or with greater promptness than expected.