a la brevedad
Lemma Details
Translation: as soon as possible; promptly; at the earliest opportunity; without delay
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This Spanish adverbial phrase combines the preposition 'a' (to), the feminine definite article 'la', and the noun 'brevedad' (brevity). 'Brevedad' derives from Latin 'brevitas' (shortness, briefness), which shares the same root as English words like 'brief', 'brevity', and 'abbreviate'. The phrase literally means 'with brevity' or 'in a brief manner', but has evolved to convey urgency and promptness in handling matters.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: formal
Example Usage
El director solicitó un informe a la brevedad.
The director requested a report without delay.
Por favor, responda a la brevedad.
Please respond as soon as possible.
Necesitamos resolver este problema a la brevedad.
We need to resolve this problem promptly.
Le agradecería que me enviara los documentos a la brevedad.
I would appreciate it if you could send me the documents as soon as possible.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'brevity' (shortness) to remember that 'a la brevedad' means to do something in a short amount of time.
- Connect 'brevedad' with 'brief' - when something needs to be done 'a la brevedad', it needs to be done in a brief amount of time.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is particularly common in business and professional communications throughout Latin America, especially in Mexico, Argentina, and other Spanish-speaking countries. It's frequently used in formal emails, letters, and official requests when emphasizing the need for prompt action. In Spain, while understood, it's less commonly used than alternatives like 'lo antes posible'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'a la brevedad' means 'as soon as possible' and implies urgency for someone to take action, 'en breve' means 'shortly' or 'soon' and typically indicates that something will happen in the near future without the same sense of urgency.
Confused word:
Te responderé en breve.
I will respond to you shortly.
Notes: 'A la brevedad' places responsibility on the recipient to act quickly, while 'en breve' is a promise that something will happen soon.
Mnemonic: 'A la brevedad' has 'a la' (to the) suggesting action toward brevity (urgency), while 'en breve' has 'en' (in) suggesting something will happen within a brief time (soon).
Explanation: 'A la brevedad' means to do something promptly or as soon as possible, while 'con brevedad' means 'briefly' or 'in a concise manner', referring to the style or length of something rather than timing.
Notes: The preposition makes a significant difference in meaning despite both phrases containing 'brevedad'.
Mnemonic: 'A la' points to a time frame (soon), while 'con' indicates a manner or style (briefly).