momentarily
gb/mˌoʊməntˈɛɹɪli/ us/mˌoʊməntˈɛɹɪli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
quantity
1
for a very short time
for a short time
Usage pattern:
[something] [happens] momentarily; momentarily [verb/adjective]
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.
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.)
Collocations
momentarily distracted
|momentarily confused
|momentarily silent
|momentarily forget
|momentarily lose sight of
|momentarily pause
|momentarily hesitate
|momentarily relax
|momentarily fade
|momentarily stunned
Themes
time
|daily_life
Examples
- I was momentarily distracted by the noise outside.
- The screen went black momentarily, then came back on.
- She looked momentarily unsure before answering.
Learner examples
- I was momentarily confused.
- The lights went out momentarily.
adverb
formal
C1
relation
2
very soon; in a moment
very soon
Usage pattern:
[something] will [happen] momentarily
Common mistake:
This meaning can be misunderstood as 'briefly'. In careful writing, some speakers avoid it to prevent ambiguity.
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.)
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
Themes
time
|travel
|customer_service
Examples
- Ladies and gentlemen, we will be landing momentarily.
- The meeting will begin momentarily, so please take your seats.
- A representative will be with you momentarily.
Learner examples
- The train will arrive momentarily.
- I’ll be back momentarily.
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.