Word
softly
Phoneticssoft·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɔfɫi/
UK/sˈɒftli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01gently
A2 · Elementary
adv. in a gentle way, using very little force or pressure.
adv. in a gentle or delicate manner, characterized by low physical impact or pressure.
Español:suavemente
“She touched the baby's cheek softly while he was sleeping.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02quietly
A2 · Elementary
adv. in a quiet way that is difficult to hear.
adv. at a low volume; nearly inaudibly.
“They spoke softly in the library so they wouldn't disturb others.”
“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'.
Antonyms
03with low light or color
B2 · Upper Intermediate Literary
adv. in a way that is not bright or sharp to the eyes.
adv. with low intensity of light or color; in a subdued or blurred manner.
“The morning sun shone softly through the thick curtains.”
“The distant hills were softly outlined against the grey sky, their peaks blurred by the rising mist.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “softly” in context.
Etymology
From Middle English softely, softeliche, equivalent to soft + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/softly
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0