momentarily

[moh-muhn-tair-uh-lee, moh-muhn-ter-]

adverb

1. for a moment; briefly.

   to pause momentarily.

2. at any moment; imminently.

   expected to occur momentarily.

3. Now Rare.,  instantly.

momentarily

/ -trɪlɪ, ˈməʊməntərəlɪ /

adverb

1. for an instant; temporarily

2. from moment to moment; every instant

3. very soon

Word History and Origins

Origin of momentarily¹

First recorded in 1645–55; momentary + -ly

Example Sentences

For years he has posted photos of people he claims are scary, often just on the basis of how they’re dressed or that they look momentarily angry during a protest.

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Like the cartoon character, having headed off the edge of a cliff, global trade is defying gravity momentarily but the running has kept going, and even sped up.

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We feel the inclination momentarily and don’t act on it.

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Mostly, the horses peacefully graze, but two rear up momentarily.

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Before the suspects could exit, however, the shop’s security measures activated and the store’s door closed, momentarily trapping the mob.

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Related Words

• briefly 
• immediately 
• instantly 
• temporarily