The word “momentarily” is commonly used in English to refer to something that happens for a short time or very soon. However, its meaning can vary depending on the context.
Understanding the nearest synonyms of “momentarily” helps in improving vocabulary, enhancing writing, and avoiding confusion in conversations. In this topic, we will explore the closest meanings of “momentarily,” its synonyms, examples, and usage in different contexts.
What Does Momentarily Mean?
The word momentarily is an adverb and has two primary meanings:
-
For a very short time – (کچھ لمحوں کے لیے)
- Example: “She paused momentarily before answering.”
- Urdu: “اس نے جواب دینے سے پہلے کچھ لمحوں کے لیے توقف کیا۔”
-
Very soon or at any moment – (کسی بھی وقت)
- Example: “The plane will take off momentarily.”
- Urdu: “جہاز کسی بھی وقت اڑان بھرنے والا ہے۔”
Both meanings are widely used in American and British English, though the first one is more common in British usage.
Nearest Synonyms of Momentarily
Several words and phrases can replace momentarily based on the context. Below are some of the closest synonyms categorized by meaning.
1. Synonyms for “For a Short Time”
When “momentarily” means for a brief period, the following synonyms can be used:
-
Briefly (مختصر طور پر)
- Example: “He stopped briefly to tie his shoes.”
- Urdu: “وہ مختصر طور پر رکا تاکہ جوتے باندھ سکے۔”
-
Temporarily (عارضی طور پر)
- Example: “The system is temporarily unavailable.”
- Urdu: “یہ نظام عارضی طور پر دستیاب نہیں ہے۔”
-
Fleetingly (چند لمحوں کے لیے)
- Example: “She fleetingly thought about her childhood memories.”
- Urdu: “اس نے چند لمحوں کے لیے اپنے بچپن کی یادوں کے بارے میں سوچا۔”
-
Ephemerally (چند لمحوں تک)
- Example: “The beauty of a rainbow lasts ephemerally.
- Urdu: “قوس قزح کی خوبصورتی چند لمحوں تک رہتی ہے۔”
-
Instantly (فوراً)
- Example: “The pain disappeared instantly after taking medicine.”
- Urdu: “دوائی لینے کے بعد درد فوراً ختم ہو گیا۔”
2. Synonyms for “Very Soon”
When “momentarily” means at any moment, the following words can be used:
-
Shortly (جلد ہی)
- Example: “The meeting will start shortly.”
- Urdu: “میٹنگ جلد ہی شروع ہوگی۔”
-
Soon (عنقریب)
- Example: “She will return soon from her trip.”
- Urdu: “وہ اپنی سفر سے عنقریب واپس آ جائے گی۔”
-
Presently (ابھی تھوڑی دیر میں)
- Example: “The manager will join us presently.”
- Urdu: “منیجر ابھی تھوڑی دیر میں ہمارے ساتھ شامل ہوں گے۔”
-
Any moment now (کسی بھی لمحے)
- Example: “The train will arrive any moment now.”
- Urdu: “ٹرین کسی بھی لمحے پہنچنے والی ہے۔”
-
Before long (کچھ ہی دیر میں)
- Example: “We will reach our destination before long.”
- Urdu: “ہم کچھ ہی دیر میں اپنی منزل پر پہنچ جائیں گے۔”
Examples of Using Momentarily in Sentences
To understand how “momentarily” and its synonyms work, here are some examples:
1. Using “Momentarily” for a Short Time
🔹 “He closed his eyes momentarily to rest.”
🔸 “اس نے کچھ لمحوں کے لیے اپنی آنکھیں بند کر لیں تاکہ آرام کر سکے۔”
🔹 “The lights flickered momentarily during the storm.”
🔸 “طوفان کے دوران روشنی کچھ لمحوں کے لیے جھپکی۔”
2. Using “Momentarily” to Mean Very Soon
🔹 “We will be landing momentarily.”
🔸 “ہم کسی بھی لمحے لینڈ کرنے والے ہیں۔”
🔹 “The host will arrive momentarily to start the event.
🔸 “میزبان کسی بھی وقت تقریب کا آغاز کرنے کے لیے پہنچنے والے ہیں۔”
How to Choose the Right Synonym?
Choosing the correct synonym depends on the context. Here’s a quick guide:
- If you mean a short time, use briefly, temporarily, fleetingly.
- If you mean very soon, use shortly, soon, presently.
Example Sentences with Different Synonyms
-
Momentarily (Short Time) → Briefly
- “She looked at him momentarily before walking away.”
- “She looked at him briefly before walking away.”
-
Momentarily (Very Soon) → Shortly
- “The bus will arrive momentarily.”
- “The bus will arrive shortly.”
Common Mistakes When Using Momentarily
Many English learners misinterpret “momentarily,” especially in different varieties of English.
❌ Incorrect: “He will stay here momentarily.” (Unclear if it means soon or briefly)
✔ Correct: “He will stay here briefly.”
❌ Incorrect: “I will finish the work momentarily.” (Does it mean soon or for a short time?)
✔ Correct: “I will finish the work shortly.”
To avoid confusion, always check the context before using “momentarily.”
The word “momentarily” has two primary meanings: for a short time and very soon. Its nearest synonyms include briefly, temporarily, shortly, and soon, depending on the context.
Understanding the difference between synonyms helps in accurate communication and avoids misinterpretation. By practicing these words in sentences, you can enhance your English vocabulary and writing skills effectively.