SHORTLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does shortly mean? 

• SHORTLY (adverb)
  The adverb SHORTLY has 5 senses:

1. for a short time

2. in the near future

3. in a curt, abrupt and discourteous manner

4. in a concise manner; in a few words

5. at a short distance

  Familiarity information: SHORTLY used as an adverb is common.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SHORTLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

For a short time

Context example:

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

Sense 2

Meaning:

In the near future

Synonyms:

before long; presently; shortly; soon

Context example:

we should have news before long

Sense 3

Meaning:

In a curt, abrupt and discourteous manner

Synonyms:

curtly; short; shortly

Context example:

he said shortly that he didn't like it

Pertainym:

short (marked by rude or peremptory shortness)

Sense 4

Meaning:

In a concise manner; in a few words

Synonyms:

briefly; concisely; in brief; in short; shortly

Context example:

to put it shortly

Sense 5

Meaning:

At a short distance

Context example:

the hem fell shortly below her knees

 Context examples 

He has told me all about you, and that you are shortly to be his wife.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

“Why shouldn’t it?” Charles demanded rather shortly.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

Here are some people David knows, going out to Australia shortly.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

He came in shortly afterwards and passed upstairs.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Negore looked at it shortly and carelessly.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

"No, no!" he responded shortly and somewhat testily.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I told him shortly my experiences of the morning, and he listened intently.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

With Saturn in fine angle to this new moon, the career successes you will score shortly after March 24 are likely to remain with you long into the future.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

“I cannot tell,” quoth Alleyne shortly; and the two squires rode on again, each intent upon his own thoughts.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“Indeed, sir!” said my father, shortly.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)