momentarily

Everyday

1. For a very short time, only a moment. tree →
2. (mainly US) Very soon, in a moment. tree →

In the lessons

Used in stories to show something lasting only a second or two: «she was momentarily blinded by the flash». In the USA it is also heard in announcements meaning «very soon»: «we will be landing momentarily». It tells the reader that the event was short, or that it will happen shortly.

Examples

• The lights flickered and the room went momentarily dark. tree →
• I was momentarily confused, then I remembered the answer. tree →
• The dog stopped momentarily to sniff the lamppost. tree →
• The pilot said, «We will be landing momentarily.» tree →
• Ella was momentarily lost for words when she won the prize. tree →
• The sun came out momentarily before the rain started again. tree →
• Your teacher will be with you momentarily. tree →

Note

It comes from «moment». A trap: in British English it usually means «for a moment», while in American English it often means «in a moment» (soon), so «the train will stop momentarily» can sound odd to a British listener. It is an adverb, so it describes a verb or adjective.