Both Uses of
brief
in
The Importance of Being Earnest
Uses with a very common or rare meaning:
- It is always painful to part from people whom one has known for a very brief space of time.†
Act 2 *
- A thoroughly experienced French maid produces a really marvellous result in a very brief space of time.†
Act 3
Definition:
-
(meaning too common or rare to warrant focus) Brief is most commonly encountered as an adjective meaning "of short duration." Other meanings derive from the idea of short--as when making a long story short by summarizing it, or when wearing briefs (underwear).