Momentarily
/ˌmoʊmənˈtɛrɪli/
adverbB2
Definition
Momentarily means either "for a very short time" or "very soon." People use it to talk about actions or events that last just a little while or that will happen quickly in the near future. The exact meaning depends on the situation.
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See It in Action
For a very short time
- •The screen went black momentarily during the power surge.
- •She paused momentarily before answering the question.
- •The noise stopped momentarily, then started again.
Very soon; in a moment
- •The train will arrive momentarily.
- •Please hold on; I will be with you momentarily.
- •The actor appeared momentarily on stage before the curtain closed.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "momentarily" like "soon" or "quickly," but it can mean both a very short time or very soon in the future.
- ✓Picture a clock's second hand moving fast—just one small moment passing by quickly.
- ✓It's the feeling when you wait just a little bit before something happens, like waiting for a light to turn green.
- ✓Sounds like "moment" + "arily" → imagine a tiny moment stretching a little bit, but not long.
- ✓Think of a pause that is so short you barely notice it, like blinking your eyes.
- ✓NOT like "forever" (very long time), momentarily is very short or very soon.
- ✓NOT like "immediately" (right now), momentarily can mean in just a short while, not exactly this second.
- ✓NOT like "briefly" only (which means short time), momentarily can also mean "soon" (future time).
Try Other Words
- •Briefly: for a short time (Use when you want to emphasize short duration, not future time)
- •Shortly: very soon (Use when you want to emphasize something happening soon, not duration)
- •Instantly: immediately, without delay (Use when something happens right now, faster than momentarily)
- •Temporarily: for a limited time (Use when something lasts for a short but longer time than momentarily)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "moment" (a very short time) + suffix "-arily" (in the manner of)
- •Etymology: From Latin "momentarius," meaning lasting a moment or brief
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 1600s to describe something lasting a very short time or happening soon
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in everyday English to describe short pauses or quick future events
- •Interesting fact: Momentarily can cause confusion because it has two opposite meanings (very soon vs very short time), so context is important
Reflect & Connect
•How does the meaning of momentarily change depending on the situation? Can you think of examples where it means "soon" and others where it means "for a short time"?
•Why do you think some words like momentarily have two opposite meanings? How can understanding this help you avoid confusion when listening or reading?
Fill in the blanks
1.The elevator stopped momentarily because of ___ in the power supply.
2.She said she would call you momentarily, so expect the phone to ring ___.
3.Unlike "briefly," momentarily can mean either a short time or ___ in the near future.
4.The actor appeared momentarily on stage and then ___ behind the curtain.
5.The lights flickered momentarily, which made everyone feel ___.
6.Momentarily usually pairs with actions that happen ___ or last only a little while.
7.When someone says they will be with you momentarily, it means they will come ___, not right now but very soon.