ENGLISH
REFERENCE

momentarily

adv. time
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌmoʊmənˈtɛɹəɫi// UK //mˌəʊməntˈɛɹəli// mo·men·tar·i·ly

adv. for a very short time, or very soon. You use it when something happens quickly or will happen in just a second.

adv. for a brief period of time; alternatively, in a very short while. The latter sense is particularly common in North American English.


SIMPLE

The power went out momentarily during the storm.

CONTEXTUAL

Please hold the line; the operator will be with you momentarily to assist with your request.

COMPLEX

The speaker paused momentarily to gather his thoughts before addressing the most controversial aspect of the new policy proposal.

Synonyms
Origin

From momentary + -ly.

Usage

In British English, it primarily means 'for a short time'; in American English, it frequently means 'very soon'.

Pitfall

I will arrive for momentarily.I will arrive momentarily.Momentarily is an adverb and should not be preceded by a preposition like 'for' when indicating when something will happen.

© 2026 English Reference