shortly

adverb

1. for a short time

- he was at the airport shortly before she was expected to arrive

2. in the near future

- the book will appear shortly

- we should have news before long

Similar word(s): presently, soon

3. in a curt, abrupt and discourteous manner

- he talked short with everyone

- he said shortly that he didn't like it

Similar word(s): curtly, short

4. in a concise manner; in a few words

- to put it shortly

Similar word(s): briefly, concisely

5. at a short distance

- the hem fell shortly below her knees