softly
adv. manner A2 Elementary US //ˈsɔfɫi// UK //sˈɒftli// soft·ly
adv. in a quiet or gentle way. You use this to describe how someone speaks, moves, or touches something so they do not cause a disturbance.
adv. in a quiet, gentle, or low-volume manner. Often describes auditory volume or physical pressure.
She spoke softly so she wouldn't wake the baby.
The pianist played the final notes so softly that the audience held their breath to hear them.
The morning light filtered softly through the linen curtains, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the quiet air of the study.
From Middle English softely, softeliche, equivalent to soft + -ly.
Usage
Typically placed after the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.