# softly

/ˈsɔfɫi/ (US) · /sˈɒftli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/softly
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. gently

adverb · CEFR A2

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

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

- 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.

### 2. quietly

adverb · CEFR A2

in a quiet way that is difficult to hear.

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. with low light or color

adverb · CEFR B2 · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.