WordGarden.iosoftly
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɒftli/
US
- /ˈsɔfli/
Meanings
Adverb
with little noise or in a low voice
gently or mildly, with little force or harshness
Beyond the definition
To do something softly means to do it in a gentle or quiet way, without much force, noise, or sharpness. You might speak softly to a child who is scared, close a door softly so no one wakes up, or step softly across a creaky floor. It is often used for voices, sounds, touches, and movements that feel calm and light.
The word can also describe how something seems or happens in a quiet, smooth, pleasing way. Rain may fall softly, music may play softly in the next room, and light may rest softly on a face. In most cases, the idea is that something is happening with care, calm, or very little noise.
"Softly" is an adverb that describes how something is done in a gentle, quiet, or light way. It often suggests little force, little noise, or a caring manner. A person can speak softly, walk softly, or touch something softly. In each case, the action is not harsh, loud, or rough.
The word is very common with sound. Someone may answer softly in a low voice. Music may play softly in the background. Wind, rain, and footsteps can also be described this way when they make only a small sound. It is also used for touch and movement. A nurse might place a blanket softly over a patient, or a mother might brush a child's hair softly.
It can also describe the way light or color appears. We might say that sunlight fell softly across the room or that candlelight shone softly on the wall. In writing, this gives a calm and gentle feeling. Sometimes the word appears in emotional scenes too: a person may cry softly, laugh softly, or say a name softly. Here it suggests quiet feeling rather than strong outward force.
Overall, "softly" usually brings together quietness, gentleness, and care. It helps describe actions, sounds, touches, and even light in a way that feels calm and controlled. The usual opposites are words like "loudly," "harshly," or "roughly."
Examples
- 1
Quiet speech
He spoke softly so the others wouldn't hear.
- 2
Gentle action
She closed the bedroom door softly.
- 3
Light sound
Rain tapped softly against the window.
- 4
Background music
A jazz song was playing softly in the cafe.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Facial expression
She smiled softly and took his hand.
- 6
Gentle lighting
The hallway was softly lit by wall lamps.
- Phrasesoftly lit
lit with gentle, not bright, light
- 7
Careful criticism
If you need to correct someone, do it softly but clearly.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- softlyadverb