# shortly

/ˈʃɔɹtɫi/ (US) · /ʃˈɔːtli/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. soon

adverb · CEFR B1

in a very short time from now; soon.

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

- The train for London will be departing shortly from platform four.
- The CEO is expected to arrive shortly, so please ensure all the briefing documents are laid out on the conference table.

### 2. rudely or briefly

adverb · CEFR B2

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

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

- "I'm busy right now," he said shortly before hanging up the phone.
- When asked about the budget deficit, the minister replied shortly that the matter was still under internal review.

### 3. briefly

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

using only a few words to explain something.

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

- To put it shortly, we simply do not have enough money for the trip.
- The report concludes, quite shortly, that the previous administration's policy was a total failure.

## Examples

- The train will be arriving shortly.
- Please take a seat in the waiting area and the doctor will see you shortly.
- Although the initial report was brief, the committee promised that a more comprehensive analysis of the findings would be released shortly to the public.

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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.