Adverb
-
at a short distance
"the hem fell shortly below her knees"
-
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"
- in brief - in short -
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"
-
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"
- before long -
for a short time
"he was at the airport shortly before she was expected to arrive"