Momentarily
ˌmoʊməˈntɛrəli
Definitions
2 meaningsFor a very short time; in or for a moment.
ˌmoʊməˈntɛrəli
For a very short time
The pilot announced that we would be landing momentarily.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're waiting for a surprise. 'Momentarily' means it's going to happen very, very soon, like any second now! For example, 'The movie will start momentarily!'
👶 For kids: Meaning: Very, very soon! Example: The ice cream truck will be here momentarily!
More Examples
I expect him to arrive momentarily.
She hesitated momentarily before answering the question.
How It's Used
"The train will be arriving momentarily."
"The system will pause momentarily for a brief update."
At any moment, soon.
ˌmoʊməˈntɛrəli
At any moment
The storm is expected to intensify momentarily.
💡 Simply: It means 'any second now'. Imagine you're waiting for your friend to arrive, you might say, 'They might arrive momentarily' indicating you expect them soon.
👶 For kids: Meaning: Any second now! Example: The show is going to start momentarily!
More Examples
We are anticipating his arrival momentarily.
The building might collapse momentarily.
How It's Used
"He was momentarily expecting a call."
"The situation could change momentarily"
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From 'moment' (a very brief period of time) + '-arily' (forming adverbs). Emerged in English in the late 18th century.
The word began appearing in print in the late 1700s, mainly in formal writing.
Memory tip
Think of a 'moment' in time - a quick action!
Word Origin
"movement, brief time"