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Sometime vs Briefly - What's the difference?

sometime | briefly |

As adverbs the difference between sometime and briefly

is that sometime is at an unstated or indefinite time in the future while briefly is in a brief manner, summarily.

As an adjective sometime

is former, erstwhile; at some previous time.

sometime

English

Alternative forms

* some time (adverbial sense)

Adverb

(-)
  • (US) At an unstated or indefinite time in the future
    • I'll see you at the pub sometime this evening
    This will certainly happen sometime in the future
  • (obsolete) sometimes
  • (obsolete) At a past time indefinitely referred to; once; formerly.
  • * Shakespeare
    • Did they not sometime cry "All hail" to me?

    Synonyms

    * at some point * at some time, at some time or other * somewhen

    Derived terms

    * a sometime thing * sometime or other * sometimey

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Former, erstwhile; at some previous time.
    • my sometime friend and mentor
    Our sometime sister, now our queen. — Shakespeare.
    Ion, our sometime darling, whom we prized. — Talfourd.
  • Occasional.

    • Synonyms

    * (former) earlier, erstwhile, ex-, previous * (occasional)

    briefly

    English

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • (manner) In a brief manner, summarily.
    • He covered the subject briefly in his book.
  • (duration) For a brief period.
    • He only worked here briefly .
  • (speech act) To be brief, in short.
    • Briefly , I am not happy about what happened, but no one will be losing their job.