soft-spoken

[sawft-spoh-kuhn, soft-]

adjective

1. (of persons) speaking with a soft or gentle voice; mild.

2. (of words) softly or mildly spoken; persuasive.

soft-spoken

adjective

1. speaking or said with a soft gentle voice

2. able to persuade or impress by glibness of tongue

Word History and Origins

Origin of soft-spoken¹

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

Even a former Kentucky district attorney, who brags that he “got a lot of attaboys” for partnering with NBC, softens his tough talk while watching outtakes of a soft-spoken and seemingly very confused arrestee.

From Los Angeles Times

Dodger, the soft-spoken Bill Russell, a Dodger for nearly half a century, would have to be in that conversation.

From Los Angeles Times

Dodger, someone emblematic of the team’s history and values since moving to Southern California, the soft-spoken, humble Russell, a Dodger for nearly half a century, would have to be in that conversation.

From Los Angeles Times

Dona Elliott is short, soft-spoken and has wavy brown hair, but she has been known to throw unruly drunks out the front door bodily and by herself.

From Los Angeles Times

Lanky and soft-spoken, he carries a mix of gravity and nerves — this being the first interview of his life — as he recalls six years shadowing one of the most famous men in the world.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gentle 
• reserved