# briefly

/ˈbɹifɫi/ (US) · /bɹˈiːfli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/briefly
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. for a short time

adverb · CEFR B1

for a very short period of time.

For teachers: lasting for a short duration; used to describe events or states that do not persist.

- We stopped briefly in Paris on our way to the south of France.
- The lights flickered briefly during the storm, but the backup generator kicked in before the building lost power entirely.

### 2. using few words

adverb · CEFR B2

using only a few words to explain something.

For teachers: in a concise or summary manner; expressing the main points without unnecessary detail.

- The manager spoke briefly about the new rules before the shift started.
- The report outlines the findings briefly, focusing on the primary causes of the equipment failure rather than the minor technical details.

### 3. to summarize

adverb · CEFR B2 · Formal

you use this to introduce a short summary of what you are about to say.

For teachers: used as a sentence adverb to introduce a concise summary or conclusion.

- Briefly, the plan is to sell the house and move to the coast.
- Briefly, the proposed legislation aims to reduce carbon emissions by incentivising the transition to renewable energy sources across the industrial sector.

## Examples

- We spoke briefly before the meeting started.
- The manager stopped by my desk briefly to congratulate me on the successful project launch.
- The author briefly touches upon the historical context of the era before diving into the specific biographical details of the protagonist's early life.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.