presently

presently, shortly, soon, directly are comparable when they mean after a little while or before long.

Presently carries this as its chief meaning; it is a term of rather vague implication as to the time indicated

{

the doctor will be here presentl

}

{

he said he would tell them the full story presentl

}

{

I shall forget you presently, my dear, so make the most of this, your little day— Millay

}

{

I cannot attend to this at once but will do so presentl

}

Shortly is often less vague as to the exact time indicated; it frequently retains one of its earlier implications of following quickly or with little delay

{

your father will be home shortly, for it is after five o'clock

}

{

the ship will leave the wharf shortly, but perhaps you can catch it

}

{

the two concluding volumes which will appear shortly—P. H. Douglas

}

{

questions of vital importance came up for solution shortly after his appointment— Knott

}

Soon (see also EARLY) implies that the thing narrated or predicted happened or will happen without much loss of time; otherwise the term is indefinite and may suggest any length of time that seems short, depending on the nature of the matter involved

{

they will soon repent their anger

}

{

the rout soon became general

}

{

the doctor will see you very soon

}

{

the plants soon took root

}

Directly often replaces its more basic sense of without delay by a value in which it is interchangeable with shortly and implies with little, or a minimum of, delay

{

I shall be back directly after sundown— Hichens

}

{

I expect Rachel in directly, as she said she should not stay a moment— Henning

}