Synonyms for

Briefly

Verb / ˈbri:fli: / Another word for briefly — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

For a short time; in a concise way.

Synonyms & similar words

shortly inshort inbrief concisely concisely quickly fleetingly transiently temporarily momentarily temporarily ephemerally transitorily provisionally

Synonyms by register

Formal

concisely succinctly tersely

Informal

short quick in a sec

Literary

fleetingly momentarily

Antonyms

lengthily extensively thoroughly protractedly at length in detail

Common collocations

  • briefly mention
  • speak briefly
  • summarize briefly
  • explain briefly
  • stated briefly
  • lasted briefly
  • pause briefly

Word family

noun briefness
adjective brief
adverb briefly

Usage note

This adverb indicates a short duration or a concise manner of speaking or writing. It is generally neutral in register.

Example sentences

  1. She briefly looked up from her book.
  2. He explained the plan briefly.
  3. The teacher summarized the lesson briefly.
  4. She spoke to the class briefly before dismissing them.
  5. The meeting was brief.

Quotes

  • 'Life is brief, but love is long.' - Alfred Lord Tennyson
  • 'Art is long, life is brief.' - Hippocrates
  • 'The briefest moments are sometimes the most telling.' - Rick Riordan

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