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Contents
shortly definition
Overview
This page has 8 definitions of shortly in English and Middle English. Shortly is an adverb and adjective. Examples of how to use shortly in a sentence are shown. Also define these 0 related words and terms: .
English shortly definition
Etymology
From Middle English schortly, schortliche, from Old English sċortlīċe (“shortly; before long; soon”), equivalent to short + -ly.
Pronunciation
Adverb
shortly (not comparable)
- In a short or brief time or manner; quickly.
- 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.
- In few words
- 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.
- In an irritable ("short") manner.
- 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.
- 'Well, I still think it was a rather off-hand way for you—for anyone—to behave,' he said shortly.
- 2009, Susanne James, The Millionaire's Chosen Bride (page 147)
Translations
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Middle English shortly definition
Etymology 1
From Old English sċortlīċ, equivalent to short + -ly.
Alternative forms
Adjective
shortly
- lasting a short time; transitory
- brief; concise
- fast; quick
Etymology 2
From Old English sċortlīċe, equivalent to short + -ly.
Alternative forms
- schortly, schortliche
Adverb
shortly
- shortly (in a short period of time)
- 14th Century, Chaucer, General Prologue
- Now have I toold you shortly in a clause
- Now that I have briefly told you above
- Now have I toold you shortly in a clause
- 14th Century, Chaucer, General Prologue