Meaning & Definition of Shortly in English

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"

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"

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"

5. At a short distance

• "The hem fell shortly below her knees"