Shortly vs. Briefly — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 2, 2024
"Shortly" refers to something happening soon in time, while "briefly" describes the short duration or succinctness of an action or statement.
Difference Between Shortly and Briefly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Shortly" is used to indicate that an event or action is expected to occur in the near future, often without specifying an exact time frame. It suggests imminence. On the other hand, "briefly" refers to the concise nature of an action or communication, emphasizing quickness or the limited amount of time it takes.
In terms of expectations, if someone says they will arrive "shortly," it means they will be there soon. Conversely, if they mention they spoke "briefly," it indicates the conversation was quick and to the point, without delving into extensive detail or duration.
"Shortly" is often used in the context of time-related promises or forecasts, such as predicting when an event will start or when someone will return. "Briefly," however, is commonly employed to describe the manner in which something is done or said, focusing on its succinct or condensed nature.
The application of "shortly" can also signify a sequence of events, implying that one action will follow another in a short span of time. "Briefly," however, is more about the depth or thoroughness of the engagement, suggesting that it will not be comprehensive or long-winded.
When discussing narrative or informational content, "briefly" implies that the information will be presented in a condensed form, highlighting the essential points without elaborate detail. "Shortly," in this context, would not be appropriate as it relates to timing rather than content depth.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Happening soon or in a short time from now
For a short duration or in a succinct manner
Context
Time-related anticipation or sequencing
Manner or duration of actions or communications
Example Usage
"The train will arrive shortly."
"Let me briefly explain the rules."
Focus
Imminence or nearness in time
Conciseness or succinctness
Common Associations
Predictions, promises, upcoming events
Summaries, quick discussions, concise statements
Compare with Definitions
Shortly
In the near future.
I’ll be with you shortly.
Briefly
Not lasting long.
The sun appeared briefly before setting.
Shortly
Happening soon.
The meeting will start shortly.
Briefly
For a short duration.
We briefly discussed the project.
Shortly
Soon after something.
Shortly after midnight, the celebration began.
Briefly
Quickly touching upon a subject.
Let's briefly go over the agenda.
Shortly
Imminently.
The announcement will be made shortly.
Briefly
With few words.
He answered briefly.
Shortly
Near term occurrence.
We expect them to arrive shortly.
Briefly
In a concise manner.
She briefly summarized the report.
Shortly
In a short time; soon.
Briefly
Short in time, duration, length, or extent.
Shortly
In a few words; concisely.
Briefly
Succinct; concise
A brief account of the incident.
Shortly
In an abrupt manner; curtly.
Briefly
Curt; abrupt
We were upset because he was so brief with us.
Shortly
In a short or brief time or manner; quickly.
Briefly
A short, succinct statement.
Shortly
In or after a short time; soon.
Briefly
A condensation or an abstract of a larger document or series of documents.
Shortly
In few words
Ideas are generally expressed more shortly in verse than in prose
Briefly
(Law) A document concisely stating the legal points being made, including often the citation and explanation of supporting legal authority.
Shortly
In an irritable ("short") manner.
Briefly
Roman Catholic Church A papal letter that is not as formal as a bull.
Shortly
In a short or brief time or manner; soon; quickly.
I shall grow jealous of you shortly.
The armies came shortly in view of each other.
Briefly
A briefing.
Shortly
In few words; briefly; abruptly; curtly; as, to express ideas more shortly in verse than in prose.
Briefly
Often briefs Short, tight-fitting underpants.
Shortly
For a short time;
He was at the airport shortly before she was expected to arrive
Briefly
Briefs Chiefly British The instructions that are given to explain a task or assignment.
Shortly
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
Briefly
To give instructions or preparatory information to
Briefed the astronauts before the mission.
Shortly
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
Briefly
To summarize.
Shortly
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
Briefly
(manner) In a brief manner, summarily.
He covered the subject briefly in his book.
Shortly
At a short distance;
The hem fell shortly below her knees
Briefly
(duration) For a brief period.
He only worked here briefly.
Briefly
To be brief, in short.
Briefly, I am not happy about what happened, but no one will be losing their job.
Briefly
Concisely; in few words.
Briefly
For a short time;
She visited him briefly
Was briefly associated with IBM
Briefly
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
Common Curiosities
What does "briefly" mean?
"Briefly" refers to doing something for a short duration or in a concise and succinct manner.
What does it mean to explain something "briefly"?
To explain something "briefly" means to do it in a concise way, focusing on key points without extensive elaboration.
What does "shortly" mean?
"Shortly" means something will happen soon or in a short amount of time from the present moment.
How does "shortly" relate to time?
"Shortly" is about the nearness or imminence of an event in time, indicating it will happen soon.
What is the difference in usage between "shortly" and "briefly"?
"Shortly" is used for indicating imminent actions or events, while "briefly" is used to describe the nature of actions or communications as short or succinct.
Is "shortly after" related to sequencing events?
Yes, "shortly after" is used to sequence events, indicating that one happens soon after another.
Can actions be performed "shortly"?
Actions can't be performed "shortly" in the sense of manner; this term would refer to when they are expected to start or occur.
Can a meeting be described as "briefly"?
Yes, if the meeting is short in duration or the discussions within it are succinct, it can be described as "briefly held."
Can "shortly" and "briefly" be used interchangeably?
No, they serve different purposes: "shortly" relates to when something will happen, while "briefly" describes how something is done or said.
Is "shortly" always precise in timing?
"Shortly" is often imprecise and can vary based on context; it generally means soon but without a specific timeframe.
How can "briefly" be applied in communication?
In communication, "briefly" suggests that the message will be delivered in a straightforward, concise manner.
What kind of activities can be done "briefly"?
Activities that can be done quickly or that require only a short amount of time can be described as done "briefly."
Can "shortly" indicate sequence?
Yes, "shortly" can indicate that one event will follow another in a short period of time.
Does "briefly" imply less detail?
Yes, "briefly" implies that something is done with less detail, focusing on essential information.
What indicates a brief explanation?
An explanation given in a direct, to-the-point manner without extensive details signifies a brief explanation.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
