What does "softly" mean?

1. (gently) in a gentle way, using very little force or pressure. 2. (quietly) in a quiet way that is difficult to hear. 3. (with low light or color) in a way that is not bright or sharp to the eyes.

How do you use "softly"?

Typically follows the verb it modifies. Commonly used with verbs of communication like 'speak', 'whisper', or 'sing'.

softly

adv.

US //ˈsɔfɫi// UK //sˈɒftli// soft·ly

1 gently (adv.)
A2 Elementary

in a gentle way, using very little force or pressure.

in a gentle or delicate manner, characterized by low physical impact or pressure.

Example

She touched the baby's cheek softly while he was sleeping.

Example

The snow fell softly against the windowpane, covering the garden in a thin, delicate layer of white by morning.

Usage

Typically follows the verb it modifies.
2 quietly (adv.)
A2 Elementary

in a quiet way that is difficult to hear.

at a low volume; nearly inaudibly.

Example

They spoke softly in the library so they wouldn't disturb others.

Example

The pianist played the final chords so softly that the audience held their breath to catch the fading notes.

Usage

Commonly used with verbs of communication like 'speak', 'whisper', or 'sing'.
- quietly
- faintly
- hushedly
- loudly
- noisily

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3 with low light or color (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

in a way that is not bright or sharp to the eyes.

with low intensity of light or color; in a subdued or blurred manner.

Example

The morning sun shone softly through the thick curtains.

Example

The distant hills were softly outlined against the grey sky, their peaks blurred by the rising mist.
- dimly
- subduedly
- faintly
- brightly
- sharply

Origin

From Middle English softely, softeliche, equivalent to soft + -ly.