SELECT * from dictionary_eng WHERE word = "shortly" OR word = "Shortly" OR word = "Shortly" shortly | Definition of shortly
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shortly

adverb
short·​ly | \ ˈshȯrt-lē How to pronounce shortly (audio) \

Definition of shortly

1a : in a few words : briefly
b : in an abrupt manner
2a : in a short time we will be there shortly
b : at a short interval shortly after sunset
Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about shortly

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Examples of shortly in a Sentence

He left shortly after you did. “I can't help you right now,” he said shortly.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Barcelona have confirmed Rafinha has joined Celta Vigo on a season-long loan shortly after signing a new contract to keep him at the club until 2021. — SI.com, "Rafinha Signs New Barcelona Contract & Joins Celta Vigo on Season-Long Loan," 2 Sep. 2019 Grande's clapback came shortly after she was forced to cancel a meet-and-greet with fans in Belgium due to mental health reasons. — Natasha Reda, Glamour, "Ariana Grande Shut Down a Troll Who Accused Her of Using Autotune in Concerts," 1 Sep. 2019 The police officer’s cruiser struck the Malibu shortly before 12:30 a.m. The Malibu then ran into a Nissan Altima stopped on the side of the highway. — Eric Heisig, cleveland.com, "Police chase involving wrong-way driver in Copley Township ends in three-car crash, troopers say," 1 Sep. 2019 Taketsuru went to Scotland for the company Settsu Shuzo; however, it was forced to abandon its whisky aspirations shortly after his return, thanks to the economic conditions after World War I. — Emily Price, Fortune, "How a Soap Opera Led to a Japanese Whisky Shortage," 1 Sep. 2019 But Jimmy already has been forthcoming about the trade and his Heat plans, offering the media all the time requested during a conference call shortly after reaching his four-year agreement with the Heat. — Ira Winderman, sun-sentinel.com, "ASK IRA: Is starting role either/or with Dragic/Winslow?," 31 Aug. 2019 Another four residents died shortly after the nursing home was evacuated. — CBS News, "Dorian expected to be "extremely dangerous" as it heads for U.S. — live updates," 31 Aug. 2019 The person who was previously driving the Fusion was found by Marine Patrol Troopers shortly after authorities were notified of the accident and pronounced dead at the scene. — Howard Koplowitz | Hkoplowitz@al.com, al, "Person killed after falling into Mobile delta after Bayway crash," 31 Aug. 2019 He was questioned by Springfield police shortly after Hernandez’s body was found in the SUV and denied playing a role in Hernandez’s death, according to the SJC. — John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, "Man accused of murdering former girlfriend wins legal victory in Supreme Judicial Court," 28 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shortly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of shortly

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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More Definitions for shortly

shortly

adverb
How to pronounce shortly (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of shortly

: in or within a short time
: in a very brief and unfriendly way

See the full definition for shortly in the English Language Learners Dictionary

shortly

adverb
short·​ly | \ ˈshȯrt-lē How to pronounce shortly (audio) \

Kids Definition of shortly

1 : in or within a short time : soon They should arrive shortly.
2 : in a brief way that shows anger or disapproval She spoke shortly.

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