The word “anon” is a commonly used term in the English language, but its meaning and origin are often misunderstood. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “anon,” its origin, and its associations in different contexts.
Definitions
The word “anon” is an adverb that means “soon” or “shortly.” It can also mean “in a little while” or “before long.” It is often used in the context of time, indicating that something will happen soon or in the near future.
Origin
The word “anon” has its roots in Middle English, where it was used as a synonym for “at once” or “immediately.” It comes from the Old English word “on an,” which means “in one (moment).” Over time, the word evolved to its current usage as an adverb indicating a short period of time.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, “anon” is defined as “soon or shortly.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “soon or shortly, in a little while.” Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “soon, or in a short time.”
Associations
The word “anon” is often associated with old English literature and poetry, where it was commonly used to indicate the passage of time. It is also associated with the phrase “anon, anon,” which means “in a moment” or “right away.”
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “anon” include “soon,” “shortly,” “in a little while,” “before long,” “momentarily,” and “presently.”
Antonyms
Antonyms for “anon” include “later,” “delayed,” “procrastinated,” “postponed,” and “deferred.”
The same root words
The word “anon” shares its root with other English words such as “anonimity” and “anonymous.” These words all come from the same Old English word “on an,” which means “in one (moment).”
Example Sentences
- “I will be there anon.”
- “The rain will stop anon.”
- “She will arrive anon, so please wait for her.”
- “The meeting will begin anon.”
- “Anon, anon, my lord, you shall know all.” (Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act I, Scene V).