shortly
/ˈʃɔɹtli/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
In a short or brief time or manner; quickly.
Adverb
Examples
[…] his two ill-conditioned, canine favorites, which sat shivering before the smoky little fire, barking shortly and sharply now and then, by way of hinting for some slight refreshment.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
In or after a short time; soon.
Adverb
Examples
The past perfect progressive is used for actions and situations which had continued up to a past moment or shortly before it.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “shortly” mean?
In a short or brief time or manner; quickly.
Is “shortly” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.