Main entry: before long, soon, shortly, presently
Definition: in the near future
Usage: the doctor will soon be here; the book will appear shortly; she will arrive presently; we should have news before long
Main entry: shortly
Definition: for a short time
Usage: he was at the airport shortly before she was expected to arrive
Main entry: shortly
Definition: at a short distance
Usage: the hem fell shortly below her knees
Main entry: concisely, shortly, briefly, in brief, in short
Definition: in a concise manner; in a few words
Usage: the history is summed up concisely in this book; she replied briefly; briefly, we have a problem; to put it shortly
Main entry: curtly, short, shortly
Definition: in a curt, abrupt and discourteous manner
Usage: he told me curtly to get on with it; he talked short with everyone; he said shortly that he didn't like it