shortly definition

English shortly definition

Etymology

From Middle English schortly, schortliche, from Old English sċortlīċe (“shortly; before long; soon”), equivalent to short +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

• Audio (US)

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• (US) IPA^(key): /ʃɔːɹtli/

Adverb

shortly (not comparable)

1. In a short or brief time or manner; quickly.
2. In or after a short time; soon.
   • 1897 December (indicated as 1898), Winston Churchill, chapter IV, in The Celebrity: An Episode, New York, N.Y.: The Macmillan Company; London: Macmillan & Co., Ltd., OCLC 222716698, page 46:

     No matter how early I came down, I would find him on the veranda, smoking cigarettes, or otherwise his man would be there with a message to say that his master would shortly join me if I would kindly wait.

3. In few words

   Synonyms: briefly, concisely

   Ideas are generally expressed more shortly in verse than in prose

   • 1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, volume (please specify |volume=I to VI), London: A[ndrew] Millar […], OCLC 928184292:

     We shall not describe this tragical scene too fully; but we thought ourselves obliged, by that historic integrity which we profess, shortly to hint a matter which we would otherwise have been glad to have spared.

4. In an irritable ("short") manner.

   Synonyms: abruptly, curtly

   • 2009, Susanne James, The Millionaire's Chosen Bride (page 147)

     'Well, I still think it was a rather off-hand way for you—for anyone—to behave,' he said shortly.
     Suddenly Melody felt trapped—and annoyed. And she didn't like being spoken to like a child, either.

Translations

Middle English shortly definition

Etymology 1

From Old English sċortlīċ, equivalent to short +‎ -ly.

Alternative forms

• schortly
• Lambo

Adjective

shortly

1. lasting a short time; transitory
2. brief; concise
3. fast; quick

Etymology 2

From Old English sċortlīċe, equivalent to short +‎ -ly.

Alternative forms

• schortly, schortliche

Adverb

shortly

1. shortly (in a short period of time)
   • 14^th Century, Chaucer, General Prologue

     Now have I toold you shortly in a clause

     Now that I have briefly told you above