adverb
softly
SOFT-lee
adverb
1
In a gentle or quiet way; without force or loudness.
"She spoke softly so as not to wake the baby."
"The rain fell softly on the roof all night."
How to Use Softly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something gently, quietly, or with a light touch.
Common pairings
speak softly
softly lit
tread softly
Word Forms
softlier comparative, more softly comparative, softliest superlative, most softly superlative
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She spoke _____ so as not to wake the baby.
Etymology
From Middle English softely, built from soft plus the adverb-forming -ly.