briefly

Etymology

brief +‎ -ly, perhaps a calque of Old French briement.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈbɹiːfli/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adverb

briefly (comparative more briefly, superlative most briefly)

1. (manner) In a brief manner, summarily.

   He covered the subject briefly in his book.

2. (duration) For a brief period.

   He only worked here briefly.

3. (speech act) To be brief, in short.

   Briefly, I am not happy about what happened, but no one will be losing their job.