momentarily
gb/mˌoʊməntˈɛɹɪli/ us/mˌoʊməntˈɛɹɪli/
B2
English
egy pillanatra, hamarosan, mindjárt
B2
1
Usage pattern:
[something] [happens] momentarily; momentarily [verb/adjective]
I was momentarily distracted by the noise outside.
A kintről jövő zaj egy pillanatra elterelte a figyelmemet.
The screen went black momentarily, then came back on.
A képernyő egy pillanatra elsötétült, aztán újra megjelent a kép.
She looked momentarily unsure before answering.
Learner examples
I was momentarily confused.
Egy pillanatra összezavarodtam.
The lights went out momentarily.
A lámpák egy pillanatra kialudtak.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use this when they mean 'very soon' (e.g., 'I’ll be there momentarily'). In many contexts, it means 'briefly' instead.
Meaning
for a very short time
Collocations
momentarily distracted
|momentarily confused
|momentarily silent
|momentarily forget
|momentarily lose sight of
|momentarily pause
|momentarily hesitate
|momentarily relax
|momentarily fade
|momentarily stunned
Synonyms
briefly (Most common and straightforward equivalent.)
|
for a moment (More conversational; often placed at the end of the clause.)
|
temporarily (Often suggests a longer short-term period than 'momentarily'.)
Antonyms
permanently (Opposite in duration (not temporary at all).)
|
for a long time (Opposite in length of time.)
Themes
time
|daily_life
Definition
for a short time
For a very short time; briefly.
C1
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
[something] will [happen] momentarily
Ladies and gentlemen, we will be landing momentarily.
Hölgyeim és uraim, hamarosan leszállunk.
The meeting will begin momentarily, so please take your seats.
Az értekezlet hamarosan kezdődik, ezért kérem, foglaljanak helyet.
A representative will be with you momentarily.
Learner examples
The train will arrive momentarily.
A vonat hamarosan megérkezik.
I’ll be back momentarily.
Mindjárt visszajövök.
Common mistake:
This meaning can be misunderstood as 'briefly'. In careful writing, some speakers avoid it to prevent ambiguity.
Meaning
very soon; in a moment
Collocations
will be arriving momentarily
|will depart momentarily
|will begin momentarily
|will start momentarily
|will resume momentarily
|will return momentarily
|will be landing momentarily
|will be with you momentarily
|will be available momentarily
|please hold momentarily
Synonyms
shortly (Common in announcements; clearly means 'soon'.)
|
soon (Less formal and less specific than 'momentarily'.)
|
in a moment (More conversational; often used in speech.)
Antonyms
later (Opposite timing (not soon).)
|
eventually (Suggests an unspecified, possibly long wait.)
Themes
time
|travel
|customer_service
Definition
very soon
Very soon; in a moment (often used in announcements or service situations).
Grammar
Dictionary form
momentarily
IPA
GB/mˌoʊməntˈɛɹɪli/
US/mˌoʊməntˈɛɹɪli/
Syllables & stress
mo - ment - ar - ily (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (ar)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: momentarily
- Plural: momentarilies
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.