1
[ adverb ] for a short time

Synonyms

not_long

Examples

"he was at the airport shortly before she was expected to arrive"

Used in print

(Ross E. McKinney and Howard Edde, "Aerated...)

Shortly after this study ended septic conditions resulted which required the addition of sodium_nitrate .

(E. Lucas Myers, "The Vindication of Dr. Nestor,"...)

Shortly , the doctor himself entered , his hair somewhat wet from the shower , but evidently satisfied with the outcome of their adventures .

2
[ adverb ] in the near future

Examples

"the doctor will soon be here" "the book will appear shortly" "she will arrive presently" "we should have news before long"

Used in print

(The Atlanta Constitution...)

The Georgia_Legislature will wind_up its 1961 session Monday and head for home - where some of the highway bond money it approved will follow shortly .

3
[ adverb ] in a curt, abrupt and discourteous manner

Synonyms

curtly short

Examples

"he told me curtly to get on with it" "he talked short with everyone" "he said shortly that he didn't like it"

Related terms

brusque brusque brusque

4
[ adverb ] in a concise manner; in a few words

Examples

"the history is summed up concisely in this book" "she replied briefly" "briefly, we have a problem" "to put it shortly"

Related terms

brief concise brief concise

5
[ adverb ] at a short distance

Synonyms

not_far

Examples

"the hem fell shortly below her knees"

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