Before long is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It is used to indicate that something will happen in the near future. This phrase has a rich history and is used in various contexts. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of before long.
Definitions
Before long means that something will happen soon or in the near future. It is used to indicate that a particular event or action is imminent. The phrase is often used to convey a sense of anticipation or expectation.
Origin
The phrase before long has been in use since the 16th century. Its origin can be traced back to the Old English phrase “be foran langan,” which means “before a long time.” Over time, this phrase evolved into “before long,” which is the modern-day version of the phrase.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of before long is consistent across different dictionaries. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, before long means “in the near future.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “soon, in a short time.”
Associations
Before long is often associated with a sense of anticipation or expectation. It is used to convey the idea that something is about to happen soon. The phrase is also associated with a sense of urgency or importance.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for before long, including soon, shortly, in a little while, presently, and in the near future.
Antonyms
The antonyms of before long include never, forever, and indefinitely.
The same root words
Before long is made up of two root words: before and long. These words have different meanings when used separately. Before means “in front of” or “prior to,” while long means “having a great length or duration.” Together, they create the phrase before long, which means “in the near future.”
Example Sentences
Here are some examples of how to use before long in a sentence:
- “I’ll be finished with this project before long.”
- “Before long, the sun will set and we’ll have to head back.”
- “We’ll be arriving at our destination before long.”
- “Before long, winter will be here and we’ll have to start preparing for the cold weather.”
- “If we keep working hard, we’ll achieve our goals before long.”