Part of Speech

Adverb

Pronunciation

/əˈnɒn/

Definitions

• Adverb: At another time; in the near future; soon.
• Used to indicate an action or event that will happen shortly or in the near future.
• (Archaic) Used in poetry or literary works to mean "soon" or "shortly."

Usage Examples

• We will see you anon at the meeting.
• He promised to return anon with the answer.
• They left the party, but will return anon.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English, "anon" comes from the Old French word "anone," meaning "soon" or "shortly." Its roots can be traced back to the Latin phrase "ad non," meaning "to no (place)," which over time came to signify a brief passage of time.

Synonyms

• Soon
• Shortly
• In a moment
• Presently

Antonyms

• Later
• Afterward
• Eventually
• In the distant future

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In various English-speaking regions, "anon" is pronounced with slight variations. In British English, the stress is often placed on the second syllable, while in American English, it may be more evenly distributed across the word.

Historical Usage

Historically, "anon" was widely used in literature and poetry as a formal or poetic way of saying "soon." It was commonly found in the works of Shakespeare and other classical English writers. The term has since fallen out of common everyday use but is still occasionally used in a literary or nostalgic context.

Cultural Nuances

In modern usage, "anon" often carries a slightly archaic or formal tone. It is more likely to appear in literary works, historical texts, or as part of a stylized expression in certain cultural contexts. Its use in everyday speech is limited, although it can sometimes be used humorously or to evoke a sense of antiquity.

More Information

While "anon" is considered an archaic or literary term in modern English, it has historical significance and was once widely used in daily communication, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries. Its use has largely been supplanted by other expressions like "soon" or "shortly," but it still retains a place in classic literature and some poetic works. "Anon" is frequently associated with the work of authors like William Shakespeare and is often used for stylistic or nostalgic effect in contemporary language.