shortly meaning and definition

SHORTLY adverb

Definition of shortly (adverb)

1. for a short time
   • "he was at the airport shortly before she was expected to arrive"
2. in the near future
   • "the doctor will soon be here"; "the book will appear shortly"; "she will arrive presently"; "we should have news before long"
   • synonyms: before long, presently, soon
3. in a curt, abrupt and discourteous manner
   • "he told me curtly to get on with it"; "he talked short with everyone"; "he said shortly that he didn't like it"
   • synonyms: curtly, short
4. in a concise manner; in a few words
   • "the history is summed up concisely in this book"; "she replied briefly"; "briefly, we have a problem"; "to put it shortly"
   • synonyms: briefly, concisely, in brief, in short
5. at a short distance
   • "the hem fell shortly below her knees"