WordHive Learning Dictionary

Briefly

adverb

Briefly means shortly or in a few words.

7 letters 2 syllables

What does Briefly mean?

Briefly means shortly or in a few words.

Dictionary definition

For a short time, or using few words.

Example sentences

Briefly in a sentence

easy

We spoke briefly after class.

medium

Briefly explain why you chose that answer.

hard

The speaker briefly reviewed the main points before ending the presentation.

Writing practice

Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice briefly in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.

Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Briefly

Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.

Practice 1

What does briefly mean?

Practice 2

Which word or phrase is closest in meaning to briefly?

Practice 3

Which word or phrase is a useful contrast to briefly?

Pronunciation coach
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Briefly

Voice settings
Sounds like

breef · lee · strongest beat: breef

Synonyms

Words like Briefly

shortlyFor a short time or in a short way.
quicklyIn a fast or short manner.
Antonyms

Opposite words

lengthilyUsing many words or taking much time.
foreverFor an extremely long time.
Synonym practice

Want to practice briefly synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The principal spoke briefly before the play began," then compare close word choices. Practice briefly synonyms.

Word family

Briefly word family

Base word

briefly

adjective

brief

Short in time or length.

noun

briefness

The quality of being short.

Related words
Student support

Understand Briefly

Hint for students

Briefly means shortly or in a few words.

Common mix-up

Do not use briefly just because it sounds familiar. Make sure the sentence matches this meaning: Briefly means shortly or in a few words.

Try it in class or at home

Read this model sentence: Briefly explain why you chose that answer. Clue words: explain, why, you. Underline clue words that show why briefly fits instead of lengthily. Now write one new sentence that shows briefly without using the word briefly. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show briefly?

Teacher prompt

Ask students to explain this model sentence: "Briefly explain why you chose that answer." Why does briefly fit better than lengthily?