Briefly Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈbraɪfli/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adverb

Definition

Briefly means in a concise or summary manner, often implying a temporary or limited duration.

Examples

• The speaker spoke briefly about the new policy.
• The research team summarized their findings briefly.

Synonyms

• In brief
• Crucially
• Concisely

Antonyms

• Lengthily
• At length
• Exhaustively

Additional Information

Briefly is often used to convey a concise summary or overview of a topic, idea, or situation. It can also imply a sense of brevity or succinctness, highlighting the importance of being direct and to-the-point.

In certain contexts, briefly may also imply a temporary or limited nature, such as giving a brief overview before providing more detailed information.

Etymologically, briefly stems from the Old English word “bryf” meaning “short” or “concealed,” which is also the source of the word “brief.”

Etymology

The word briefly has its roots in Old English, where it was translated as “bryf,” meaning “short” or “concealed.”

In Middle English (circa 11th-15th centuries), briefly emerged as the standard English term, derived from the Old English “bryf,” with its modern meaning of “in a concise or summary manner.”

Usage Notes

In formal or professional settings, briefly is often used to convey a concise summary or overview, as in academic or business writing.

In informal contexts, briefly may be used to request a brief explanation or summary of a topic.

Cultural References

Briefly has been referenced in various forms of popular culture, including television shows, movies, and music.

One notable example is the TV show “The Office,” where the character Michael Scott often uses the term briefly to convey conciseness and efficiency.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• In brief
• Crucially (similar meaning to briefly)
• Concisely (similar meaning to briefly)

Related Words or Phrases

• Summary
• Overview
• Brevity
• Concise

Collocations

• To briefly summarize
• Briefly put
• In brief
• To give a brief review

Frequency of Use

Briefly is a commonly used word in modern language, particularly in professional and academic contexts where concise communication is essential.

Common Misspellings

• Birefly
• Britely
• Bryfely