How do you feel about "momentarily"?

[StringerBell]

I tend to use the word "momentarily" regularly, as in, "I'll be back momentarily" (with the meaning: soon, in a moment). Every time I say it, my husband, who is not a native English speaker, says that he hates that word because he associates it more with the other meaning, as in "I waited momentarily" (briefly, for a moment), and to him the meaning of the word is murky. He has been living in the U.S. for 10 years and his English is as good if not better than mine (he can just as easily watch The Wire or read through an English-language Neuroscience Journal) so it's not due to an incompetence with the language.

This is something I've honestly never thought about before he brought it up, that there are two subtle but very different meanings of this word. This word has always felt easy to use with either meaning. I wonder if the fact that I've never had an issue with it has to do with the fact I'm a native English speaker, or whether there is some other explanation.

Kind of a silly question, but I'm curious to know if you also have any issue with "momentarily" whether you are a native or non-native English speaker.

[smallwhite]

Wiktionary

https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/momentarily

1. In a momentary manner; for a moment or instant.
2. (US, proscribed) In a moment or very soon; any minute now, any time now.
1880, Lew Wallace, Ben-Hur, a Tale of the Christ, chapter 3.
He told me, further, that the second coming was at hand--was looked for momentarily in Jerusalem.
This plane will be landing at Idlewild Airport momentarily.
3. Progressively; moment by moment.

Usage notes

Many speakers object to the use of momentarily in the sense of “in a moment” rather than “for a moment”, since this is inconsistent with the meaning of momentary;[1][2] nonetheless, this use is quite common in North America, and is particularly associated with airlines, such as “we will be landing momentarily”.[3][1][2] In place of momentarily, many speakers prefer the terms presently, soon[1][2] or the phrase “in a moment”,[2] for this sense of “in a moment”.

[rdearman]

I used to use it the American way, but don't do it any longer. Outside of the USA it confuses people because "I'll be back momentarily" would imply "I'll be back for a very short time". Which probably isn't what you mean.

[StringerBell]

I used to use it the American way, but don't do it any longer. Outside of the USA it confuses people because "I'll be back momentarily" would imply "I'll be back for a very short time". Which probably isn't what you mean.

Yes, that is exactly how he interprets that phrase, which is not at all my intention.

[Serpent]

as in "I waited momentarily" (briefly, for a moment)

To me even that sounds strange. Maybe "I was forced to wait momentarily" sounds more natural.

[Ani]

My only objection is that sounds pretentious. Why use 5 syllables when 1-2 will suffice?

[StringerBell]

My only objection is that sounds pretentious. Why use 5 syllables when 1-2 will suffice?

Because it balances all my cursing

This thread will continue momentarily...

[NoManches]

My only objection is that sounds pretentious. Why use 5 syllables when 1-2 will suffice?

Because it balances all my cursing

This thread will continue momentarily...

Great response from Ani and great comeback from you StringerBell.


For me, I don't use that word because it's easier to say "I'll be right back" or "I'll be back in a minute (second)".

I've heard that the kids today don't even have time to anything other than BRB.