shortly

Examples

• All

• "I don't mean anything to you," his first wife had sobbed shortly before she left.

  Fiction book (1996)

• " I've changed my mind," Marcus replied shortly.

  Fiction book (1998)

• "I bit my tongue," she said shortly.

  Fiction book (1992)

• "Thought I met him with his uncle in South America last year." "You didn't," Scott said shortly.

  Fiction book (1993)

• "Let's hope not," Abby said shortly.

  Fiction book (2002)

• "Aye," he said shortly, "it mattered greatly to me."

  Fiction book (1994)

• The young man pushed through the crowd and watched the drunk for several minutes; then he laughed shortly and abruptly.

  Fiction book (1991)

• "I spoke more shortly than I intended, but I was annoyed that he'd gone over to the enemy so quickly.

  Fiction book (1999)

• "I thought you had no Gaelic." "I haven't," I said shortly.

  Fiction book (1991)

• "I'm not interested in your excuses," she said shortly, cutting him off mid-sentence.

Synonyms

B

briefly

vsshortly

414 1.0

For a short time or in a few words

adds a blunt, discourteous attitude to that simple brevity

A

abruptly

vsshortly

145 3.3

In a sudden way that gives no warning

focuses more on rude terseness rather than mere suddenness

H

harshly

vsshortly

49 3.5

In a severe or unkind way that feels unpleasant

is terser and more curt, rather than broadly severe or rough

S

sharply

vsshortly

44 2.8

In a harsh, angry way when speaking to someone

is less about aggression and more about curt discourteous terseness

B

bluntly

vsshortly

40 4.6

In a direct way that is not polite

is similar but focuses more on curt discourteous tone

C

coldly

vsshortly

30 4.0

In a way that shows little feeling or kindness to other people

is more about curt rudeness than general emotional coldness

R

rudely

vsshortly

25 1.3

In a way that is not polite and shows no respect

is similar but specifically describes terse discourteous manner

S

summarily

vsshortly

• Formal

15 7.4

Immediately without following the usual official steps

is more about blunt discourtesy and terse abruptness than speed

U

unceremoniously

vsshortly

8 6.5

In a sudden, rude way without warning or politeness

adds a rude, terse tone beyond simply skipping formalities

C

curtly

vsshortly

5 6.0

In a short, rude way that shows you are annoyed

emphasizes bluntness plus discourtesy rather than just brevity

T

tersely

vsshortly

3 6.4

In a short, direct way that uses few words

adds an element of rudeness and blunt discourtesy to that brevity

B

brusquely

vsshortly

3 7.4

In a short, rude way that shows little patience

stresses curt discourtesy more than general lack of tact

G

gruffly

vsshortly

3 6.3

Talk in a rough, unfriendly way

is more curt and abruptly discourteous rather than merely rough

D

discourteously

vsshortly

1 6.9

In a rude or impolite way

adds a terse, abrupt delivery to that general impoliteness

I

impolitely

vsshortly

1 4.2

In a rude way that shows little respect for others

combines that rudeness with curt, abrupt speech style

S

short

vsshortly

6.1

In a rude, abrupt way

is identical in meaning but used as the main entry form

S

snappily

vsshortly

5.9

In a short, angry way

is like that but highlights blunt discourtesy over mere irritation

S

snippily

vsshortly

7.7

In a short, sharp way that shows annoyance

leans more toward blunt discourtesy rather than just impatience

B

bluffly

vsshortly

8.0

In a direct, sometimes abrupt way that shows little patience

is harsher, carrying curt discourtesy rather than plain frankness

A

abrasively

vsshortly

6.5

In a harsh, rude way that upsets people when speaking or acting

focuses more narrowly on brief bluntness and discourtesy

How Abrupt

brusquely

3 7.4

tersely

3 6.4

shortly

2 4.5

curtly

5 6.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology