Briefly Meaning

UK /ˈbriːf.li/
US /ˈbriːf.li/
Word Definition
briefly meaning

Briefly Definition & Usage

adverb

For a short duration or period of time.

Examples

  • "She spoke briefly about her experience at the company during the meeting."
  • "The interview was brief, lasting no more than ten minutes."
  • "He paused briefly before continuing with his explanation."
  • "Can you briefly explain what happened yesterday?"
  • "The doctor only needed to briefly examine the patient."
adverb

In a manner that is concise, without unnecessary detail.

Examples

  • "She briefly summarized the key points from the report."
  • "The speaker briefly addressed the crowd before leaving."
  • "Could you briefly clarify your argument?"
  • "I'll briefly mention the main issues, then we can dive into the details."
  • "He briefly described the changes in the schedule."

Cultural Context

The word 'briefly' comes from the Latin word 'brevis', meaning short. Over time, it has come to denote not only the physical brevity of time but also the idea of concise expression. It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to convey efficiency and clarity. In modern culture, where information is often expected to be delivered quickly and directly, 'briefly' has become a valued trait in communication.

The Brief Encounter

Story

The Brief Encounter

In the bustling city of New York, every second counted. Julia, a young professional, rushed through the crowded streets to reach her first big interview. She had been preparing for weeks, and yet she felt unprepared for the challenge ahead. When she entered the office, the atmosphere was intense, and she was immediately ushered into the boardroom where the interview would take place. The interviewers, all in sharp suits, looked at her expectantly. 'Please, tell us briefly about your experience,' the lead interviewer said. Julia was taken aback. She had imagined speaking at length about her achievements, but now, she was expected to be concise. 'Briefly?' Julia thought to herself. She took a deep breath, realizing this was the moment to prove her ability to be efficient. 'I have three years of experience in project management,' she said quickly, 'focused on optimizing workflows and improving team performance. My last role involved coordinating a team of ten, where we reduced project delivery times by 20%.' The room was silent for a moment, and Julia began to doubt herself. But then, one of the interviewers nodded, impressed by her concise yet impactful response. 'Excellent,' he said. 'Now, can you briefly outline your leadership style?' Julia smiled, ready to demonstrate her ability to keep it short and to the point. Later that afternoon, Julia sat in a café, reflecting on the interview. She had been able to answer all questions briefly, each response efficient but informative. She realized that 'briefly' wasn't just about time; it was about conveying just enough information without going overboard. And, as the hours passed, Julia knew she had aced her interview, all because she had learned to speak briefly when it mattered most.

The Brief Encounter