adverb
briefly
For a short time or in few words.
She briefly explains the problem before handing the damaged part to the mechanic.
Etymology
The Latin source means short. Briefly applies that shortness either to elapsed time or to the amount of speech needed to make a point.
More examples
- We spoke briefly after the meeting.
- The lights went out briefly during the storm.
- Please summarize your findings briefly.
Forms
briefly
Similar words
- quickly
- Quickly concerns speed; briefly concerns short duration or few words.