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REFERENCE

shortly

adv.
US //ˈʃɔɹtɫi// UK //ʃˈɔːtli// short·ly
  1. 1 soon (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    in a very short time from now; soon.

    occurring in or after a brief interval of time. Frequently used in formal announcements regarding arrivals or departures.

    Example

    The train for London will be departing shortly from platform four.

    Example

    The CEO is expected to arrive shortly, so please ensure all the briefing documents are laid out on the conference table.
    Pitfall
    I will be there shortly after two hours.
    I will be there in two hours.

    Use 'shortly' for an unspecified brief time. If you name a specific duration like 'two hours', use 'in'.

  2. 2 rudely or briefly (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    speaking in a quick way that shows you are a bit annoyed.

    in a curt, abrupt, or irritable manner. Often describes a style of speech that lacks polite elaboration.

    Example

    "I'm busy right now," he said shortly before hanging up the phone.

    Example

    When asked about the budget deficit, the minister replied shortly that the matter was still under internal review.
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  1. 3 briefly (adv.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    using only a few words to explain something.

    expressed in a concise or brief manner; using few words to convey a point.

    Example

    To put it shortly, we simply do not have enough money for the trip.

    Example

    The report concludes, quite shortly, that the previous administration's policy was a total failure.
    • at length
    • wordily
Origin

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

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