shortly

adverb

SHORT-lee/ˈʃɔɹtli/UKSHAWT-lee/ˈʃɔːtli/

4 meanings of shortly

1
adverb
Soon, or within a short time after something happens.
The bus will arrive shortly, so stay close to the stop.
Shortly after dinner, the kids fell asleep on the couch.
Similarsoon, presently
Note
2
adverb
Quickly, or taking only a very short time.
The team shortly fixed the leak, and the water came back on fast.
She shortly finished the test, long before anyone else was done.
Similarquickly, swiftly, promptly, briefly
Oppositeslowly
3
adverb
Using only a few words, not a long explanation.
To put it shortly, we ran out of money.
She explained the plan shortly, in just three sentences, before taking questions.
Similarbriefly, concisely
Oppositeverbosely
Note
4
adverb
In an annoyed way, with quick and unfriendly words.
"I'm fine," she said shortly, and turned back to her book.
He answered shortly when his sister asked about his bad day at school.
Similarcurtly, abruptly
Oppositepolitely, patiently, courteously
Note

Practice

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Origin

From an Old English word meaning "soon" or "before long," made from "short" plus "-ly."