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presently

presently

21 3.4
Soon, in a short time
  • adverb
  • /ˈprɛzəntli/
: pronto
  • - We'll be there presently.
  • presently unknown

Examples

Synonyms

soon
vspresently
∞ 1.0

In a short time

is similar but can imply a slightly wider near future
shortly
vspresently
573 1.0

In a little while

can mean a near future that may be a bit less urgent
in just a minute
vspresently
103 1.7

After a very short time

means soon but usually allows a brief wait
before long
vspresently
78 1.6

It happens soon

is the same idea but can stress a later short wait
this minute
vspresently
  • Informal
65 1.1

At this very moment without delay

uses near future, not immediate presence or instant action
momentarily
vspresently
  • US
16 3.6

In a very short time

refers to soon but can allow a slightly longer delay
imminently
vspresently
6 4.8

Happens very soon, at any moment

means soon but can allow a less urgent near future
soonish
vspresently
  • Informal
1 8.1

Happening fairly soon but not at a set time

refers to the near future more clearly rather than vague timing
in a mo
vspresently
  • UK
1 8.8

It will happen very soon

is a general near future term rather than an exact instant
momently
vspresently
  • Archaic
9.6

Happens at any moment

covers soon generally rather than strictly immediate timing

Antonyms

∞ 1.0

At a time after now or after a time already said

∞ 3.0

After a long time

How Soon

immediately
∞ 1.0
presently
21 3.4
shortly
573 1.0
before long
78 1.6

Surface Forms

presently positive

Morphology

presently = present (opaque) = present + ly

Although historically formed from 'present' + -ly, the sense 'soon' is an idiomatic sense shift not predictable from the base.

Etymology

Presently also came to mean 'in a short time' because the root praesens means 'near', and something 'near' in time feels like it will happen soon. So presently can be used to say something will happen 'soon' or 'before long'.