Briefly
/ˈbriːfli/
adverbBeginner🔥Very CommonTime/Manner
1 meaning1 question
Definitions
1
In a short time or manner.
/ˈbriːfli/
adverbneutralBeginner
Time/Manner
For a short time; concisely.
The meeting was over briefly.
💡 Simply: For a short time; quickly.
More Examples
2
She briefly mentioned the problem.
How It's Used
General
"He briefly explained the situation."
Business
"The CEO briefly addressed the employees."
From Middle English *briefliche, from Old French *brieflement, from brief ('short').
The word has maintained a consistent meaning throughout its history, signifying shortness of time or conciseness.
Memory tip
Think of 'brief' meaning short, so 'briefly' means shortly.
Word Origin
Original meaning
"short"
briefly explainbriefly describebriefly mention
Common misspellings
briefleybrifly
Practice
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written