Meaning of Word: Briefly
Definitions and Meaning in English:
- Briefly (adverb): In a concise or short manner; using few words.
- Briefly (adverb): For a short period of time; momentarily.
History and Origin: The word “briefly” originates from the Latin word brevis, meaning “short.” It entered Middle English as bref, which meant “short in duration or length.” Over time, the term evolved into the adverb “briefly,” signifying either concise expression or a short duration.
Detailed Explanation: “Briefly” refers to expressing something in a compact or concise way, without unnecessary details. It is commonly used when summarizing information or providing a short overview. In terms of time, it describes an action or event that occurs for a very short duration. The term is often used to indicate efficiency in communication or to describe fleeting moments.
Example Sentences:
- She explained the situation briefly before heading into the meeting.
- The speaker paused briefly before continuing with the presentation.
- I will briefly summarize the main points of the discussion.
- They met briefly during the conference but didn’t have time to talk in depth.
- The power went out briefly during the storm but was quickly restored.
- He briefly mentioned his vacation plans but didn’t go into details.
- Let me briefly introduce our new team member before we start.
- The plane was delayed briefly due to bad weather.
- She glanced briefly at the instructions before starting the project.
Synonyms with Short Explanation:
- Concisely – Expressing something in a clear and brief way without unnecessary details.
- Fleetingly – Lasting for only a very short time.
- Momentarily – For a very short period of time.
- Succinctly – Using few words to convey meaning, focusing on clarity.
- Curtly – In a short and somewhat abrupt manner.
Related Words with Short Explanation:
- Shortly – Happening soon or in a brief amount of time.
- Pithily – Expressing an idea in a brief and forceful way.
- Quickly – Moving or acting with speed, often involving brevity.
- Ephemeral – Lasting for a very short time, often used for transient things.
- Laconic – Using few words, typically in a concise and reserved manner.
Antonyms:
- Elaborately – In a detailed or complex way, opposite of briefly.
- Extensively – Covering a large area or topic, opposite of being concise.
- Prolonged – Lasting for a long time, opposite of short-lived.
- Lengthily – In a long and detailed manner.
- Permanently – Lasting indefinitely, as opposed to momentarily or briefly.