Shortly — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ˈshȯrt-lē/ short·ly

Meaning & Definition of Shortly

Shortly (adverb)

  1. in a few words, briefly
  2. in an abrupt manner
  3. in a short time

Shortly (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. in a few words

    "the sudden closing of the restaurant was announced only with a shortly worded sign: Out of Business"

    similar: briefly, compactly, concisely, crisply, curtly, elliptically, laconically, pithily, succinctly, summarily, tersely, in a nutshell, in a word, in brief, in short, in sum
    related: aphoristically, sententiously, exactly, precisely, abruptly, bluffly, bluntly, brusquely, monosyllabically
    opposite: diffusely, long-windedly, verbosely, wordily
    near: redundantly, repetitiously

  2. at or within a short time

    "the meeting will begin shortly, so don't go too far away to find a bathroom"

    similar: anon, before long, by and by, directly, momentarily, presently, soon
    related: forthwith, immediately, incontinently, instantaneously, instantly, now, promptly, pronto, right away, right now, right off, straightaway, straightway

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Shortly

The most common words with a similar meaning to Shortly:

briefly, compactly, concisely, crisply, curtly, elliptically, laconically, pithily, succinctly, summarily, tersely, anon, before long, by and by, directly, momentarily, presently, soon, in a nutshell, in a word, in brief, in short, in sum

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Shortly

Words with the opposite meaning of Shortly:

diffusely, long-windedly, verbosely, wordily

Related Words for Shortly

aphoristically, sententiously, exactly, precisely, abruptly, bluffly, bluntly, brusquely, monosyllabically, forthwith, immediately, incontinently, instantaneously, instantly, now, promptly, pronto, right away, right now, right off, straightaway, straightway

Near Antonyms of Shortly

redundantly, repetitiously

Origin & Etymology of Shortly

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Shortly

Words & Phrases Containing Shortly

shortly after

Frequently Asked Questions about Shortly

What does "Shortly" mean?

"Shortly" means in a few words, briefly. As an adverb, it is defined as: in a few words, briefly. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Shortly"?

Other words for "Shortly" include briefly, compactly, concisely, crisply, curtly, elliptically, laconically and pithily. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Shortly" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Shortly"?

There are 45 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Shortly". Common alternatives include briefly, compactly, concisely, crisply, curtly, elliptically, laconically, pithily, succinctly and summarily.

What is the opposite of "Shortly"?

Antonyms of "Shortly" include diffusely, long-windedly, verbosely and wordily. Near antonyms include redundantly and repetitiously.

How do you use "Shortly" in a sentence?

Examples of "Shortly" in a sentence: "the sudden closing of the restaurant was announced only with a shortly worded sign: Out of Business"; "the meeting will begin shortly, so don't go too far away to find a bathroom".

Is "Shortly" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Shortly" is an adverb.

Is "Shortly" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Shortly" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Shortly"?

"Shortly" is pronounced /ˈshȯrt-lē/ and divided into syllables as short·ly.