soft-spoken

American  

[sawft-spoh-kuhn, soft-] / ˈsɔftˈspoʊ kən, ˈsɒft- /

adjective

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

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

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soft-spoken British  

adjective

1. speaking or said with a soft gentle voice

2. able to persuade or impress by glibness of tongue

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Etymology

Origin of soft-spoken

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

But the intimidating resume didn’t match the soft-spoken athlete who asked to join Bowe on daily walks in the Beijing Olympic village in 2022.

From Los Angeles Times

"It is not every man who sees you that will express his love," said the soft-spoken college graduate, adding online is "the best way to find true love".

From Barron's

Zielinski knew people who had purchased firearms in the years that followed, including a soft-spoken neighbor she never imagined buying one.

From The Wall Street Journal

He rarely gives interviews, avoids publicity stunts and appears in public dressed like someone you might miss entirely: soft-spoken, his face concealed in a hoodie.

From BBC

"I was very nervous," the soft-spoken 27-year-old told AFP on Tuesday just hours after his elaborate hand-made dresses were finally released, meaning he could begin fitting the models.

From Barron's

Related Words

• gentle
• reserved