shortly
13 synonyms and 0 antonyms for shortly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adverb — Soon, or after a brief time.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use shortly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English sċortlīċe, from short + -ly.
Full origin of shortly →Frequently asked questions
What does “shortly” mean?
The word “shortly” means soon, or after a brief time. In plain terms, soon, briefly, or (less commonly) said in a curt tone.
How do you pronounce “shortly”?
“Shortly” is pronounced SHAWRT-lee (/ˈʃɔɹtli/ in IPA).
How do you use “shortly” in a sentence?
Here is “shortly” used in a sentence: “The doctor will see you shortly.”
What part of speech is “shortly”?
“Shortly” is an adverb.
Where does the word “shortly” come from?
The word “shortly” comes from Old English. From Old English sċortlīċe, from short + -ly.
Is “shortly” a common word?
“Shortly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “shortly” have?
“Shortly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: soon, or after a brief time.
What is the difference between shortly and soon?
Both mean before long, and they are often interchangeable. "Shortly" tends to sound a touch more formal and to suggest a fairly near, definite time — "the train will arrive shortly." "Soon" is more everyday and a little looser about exactly when. In most sentences either word fits comfortably.
Does 'shortly' mean soon?
Yes. In its most common sense, "shortly" means soon or after a brief time, as in "we will begin shortly." It can also mean curtly or abruptly when describing how someone speaks — "he replied shortly" — but the time-related meaning is by far the more frequent.
Is 'shortly' formal or informal?
It sits slightly on the formal side and is common in announcements, customer service and writing — "your call will be answered shortly." It is not stiff, though, and works fine in speech. For very casual conversation, many people simply say "soon" instead.