softly
Softly (adverb) means in a gentle or quiet way; without force or loudness. Example: “She spoke softly so as not to wake the baby.”
How to Use Softly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something gently, quietly, or with a light touch.
Word Forms
softlier comparative, more softly comparative, softliest superlative, most softly superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She spoke _____ so as not to wake the baby.
Etymology
From Middle English softely, built from soft plus the adverb-forming -ly.
Synonyms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does “softly” mean?
The word “softly” means in a gentle or quiet way; without force or loudness. In plain terms, doing something gently, quietly, or with a light touch.
How do you pronounce “softly”?
“Softly” is pronounced SOFT-lee (/ˈsɔftli/ in IPA).
How do you use “softly” in a sentence?
Here is “softly” used in a sentence: “She spoke softly so as not to wake the baby.”
What part of speech is “softly”?
“Softly” is an adverb.
Where does the word “softly” come from?
The word “softly” comes from Middle English. From Middle English softely, built from soft plus the adverb-forming -ly.
Is “softly” a common word?
“Softly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between "softly" and "quietly"?
"Softly" describes doing something in a gentle way, without force or loudness, and can apply to touch, movement, light, or sound. "Quietly" refers specifically to a lack of noise or volume, so while the two overlap for sound, "softly" has a broader range covering gentleness generally.
Can "softly" describe something other than sound?
Yes, "softly" describes anything done in a gentle or quiet way, without force, which can apply to touch, light, movement, or speech, not just noise. For example, someone can close a door softly or a light can glow softly.
What kinds of verbs commonly pair with "softly"?
"Softly" commonly pairs with verbs of speaking, touching, and moving, such as "speak softly," "touch softly," "close softly," or "glow softly." It modifies these actions to indicate gentleness or a lack of force.