English

Adverb

shortly ‎(not comparable)

1. In a short or brief time or manner; quickly.
2. In or after a short time; soon.
   • 1898, Winston Churchill, chapter 4, in The Celebrity:

     No matter how early I came down, I would find him on the veranda, smoking cigarettes, or otherwise his man would be there with a message to say that his master would shortly join me if I would kindly wait.

3. In few words; briefly; abruptly; curtly; as, to express ideas more shortly in verse than in prose.
4. In an irritable ("short") manner.
   • 2009, Susanne James, The Millionaire's Chosen Bride (page 147)

     'Well, I still think it was a rather off-hand way for you—for anyone—to behave,' he said shortly.
     Suddenly Melody felt trapped—and annoyed. And she didn't like being spoken to like a child, either.

Translations

Middle English

Adverb

shortly

1. shortly (in a short period of time)
   • 14^th Century, Chaucer, General Prologue

     Now have I toold you shortly in a clause

     Now that I have briefly told you above