briefly
Briefly (adv) means For a short time. Example: “She briefly considered quitting her job.”
How to use briefly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFor a short time, or in few words.
Word forms
more briefly comparative, most briefly superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ considered quitting her job.
Etymology
From brief plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for briefly
See all rhymes for briefly →Frequently asked questions
What does “briefly” mean?
The word “briefly” means for a short time. In plain terms, for a short time, or in few words.
How do you pronounce “briefly”?
“Briefly” is pronounced BREEF-lee (/ˈbɹiːfli/ in IPA).
How do you use “briefly” in a sentence?
Here is “briefly” used in a sentence: “She briefly considered quitting her job.”
What is another word for “briefly”?
Words with a similar meaning to “briefly” include summarily, temporarily and transiently.
What part of speech is “briefly”?
“Briefly” is an adverb.
Is “briefly” a common word?
“Briefly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “briefly” have?
“Briefly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: for a short time.
What is the difference between "briefly" and "shortly"?
"Briefly" describes doing something for a short time or in few words, focusing on brevity of duration or expression. "Shortly" usually means "soon," so "she spoke briefly" means she spoke for a short time, while "she will arrive shortly" means she will arrive soon.
When should you use "briefly" instead of "concisely"?
Both can mean "in a few words," but "briefly" also covers short duration, whereas "concisely" refers only to expressing something clearly in as few words as possible. Use "briefly" for time ("he paused briefly") and either word for compact wording.
Where does "briefly" go in a sentence?
As an adverb, "briefly" can open a sentence to flag a short summary ("Briefly, here's what happened") or sit beside the verb it modifies ("she briefly explained the plan"). Placing it first often signals that a quick summary follows.
Can "briefly" describe both time and manner?
Yes. It can mean "for a short time," as in "the sun appeared briefly," and "in a few words," as in "he answered briefly." Context makes clear which sense applies.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include briefly: