quietly
8 synonyms and 3 antonyms for quietly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — In a manner that makes little noise or draws little attention.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
Etymology
Derived from Middle English quietely or quyetly, equivalent to quiet plus -ly.
Full origin of quietly →Frequently asked questions
What does “quietly” mean?
The word “quietly” means in a manner that makes little noise or draws little attention. In plain terms, without noise, fuss, or drawing attention — describing how something is done.
How do you pronounce “quietly”?
“Quietly” is pronounced KWEYE-iht-lee (/ˈkwaɪ.ɪt.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “quietly” in a sentence?
Here is “quietly” used in a sentence: “She quietly closed the door so as not to wake the baby.”
What is the opposite of “quietly”?
The opposite of “quietly” — its antonyms — is loudly.
What part of speech is “quietly”?
“Quietly” is an adverb.
Is “quietly” a common word?
“Quietly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'quietly' and 'silently'?
'Quietly' means making little noise or drawing little attention, so a small sound may still be present. 'Silently' is stronger and means making no sound at all.
What is the difference between 'quietly' and 'calmly'?
'Quietly' describes low volume or a lack of attention, while 'calmly' describes a lack of agitation or emotion. Someone can speak quietly yet not calmly, or speak calmly at normal volume.
Where does 'quietly' go in a sentence?
'Quietly' usually comes after the verb or its object, as in 'she closed the door quietly'. It can also be placed before the main verb for emphasis, as in 'he quietly left the room'.
