B2adverb2K

Briefly

UK /["/ˈbriːfli/"]/US /["/ˈbriːfli/"]/

Definition

for a short time

In simple words: For a short time or in a few words.

Examples

  • He had spoken to Emma **only briefly**.
  • She met John briefly on Friday night.
  • Briefly, the argument is as follows…
  • Let me tell you briefly what happened.

Usage notes

Use 'briefly' when you want to indicate that something is short or to the point. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts. Avoid it when you need to describe something in detail.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'briefly' as 'brief and easy'—just a quick message!

Collocations

  • explain briefly
  • discuss briefly
  • mention briefly

Synonyms

  • shortly
  • quickly
  • concisely
  • summarily
  • in brief

Antonyms

  • lengthily
  • extensively

Common mistakes

  • Using 'brief' instead of 'briefly' (confusing the adjective and adverb).
  • Saying 'briefly discuss' when 'discuss briefly' is more natural.
  • Misplacing it in a sentence so that it doesn't clearly modify the verb.