# sweetly

/ˈswitɫi/ (US) · /swˈiːtli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sweetly
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. in a kind or pleasant way

adverb · CEFR B1

in a way that is kind, gentle, or friendly.

For teachers: in a manner that is amiable, gentle, or kind, often used to describe social interactions or smiles.

- She smiled sweetly at the child and offered him a piece of fruit.
- The receptionist smiled sweetly at the frustrated guests, managing to calm the atmosphere without saying a single word.

### 2. with a pleasant sound

adverb · CEFR B1

in a way that sounds beautiful or musical.

For teachers: in a melodious or harmonious manner, typically describing voices or musical instruments.

- The birds were singing sweetly in the trees outside my window.
- The choir sang so sweetly that several members of the audience were moved to tears by the final chorus.

### 3. with a pleasant smell

adverb · CEFR B2

having a smell that is nice and sugary or like flowers.

For teachers: possessing a fragrant or aromatic quality that is pleasing to the senses.

- The garden smelled sweetly of roses after the summer rain.
- The air in the bakery smelled sweetly of vanilla and warm dough, drawing in customers from across the street.

## Examples

- The little girl smiled sweetly at her grandmother.
- The birds sang sweetly in the garden as the sun began to rise over the hills.
- She spoke so sweetly that it was difficult to remain angry with her, even though her arguments were logically flawed.

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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.