softly

American  

[sawft-lee, soft‐] / sɔft li, sɒft‐ /

adverb

1. in a low pitch or volume; quietly.

   We spoke softly so as not to wake the baby.

   Jazz was playing softly in the background.

2. Music. with a smoothly subdued and gentle sound.

   In this passage, the horns exit softly as the violins become more vibrant.

3. in a way that is neither harsh nor glaring to the eye.

   The room was softly lit with a dimmed chandelier and six flickering candles.

4. in a gentle, warm-hearted, or compassionate manner; tenderly; sympathetically.

   She softly embraced her son and reassured him of her love.

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Etymology

Origin of softly

First recorded in 1200–50; soft ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

“It’s something to do in Wisconsin in February,” Peter said, leaning on a rail in the cozy cabin, the water glowing green, a radio playing softly and a space heater keeping the couple toasty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

One of those enjoying the input of Fiji's most-capped player is 16-year-old Maikah Dau, a softly spoken, silky midfielder whose father played alongside Krishna in the national team.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026

I filled out some paperwork, changed into a backless gown, lay on a bed covered in a warm blanket and waited my turn by softly singing rancheras and Beatles songs.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

The tall, softly spoken 31-year-old Ukrainian Navy diver is part of a team of 20 tasked with de-mining the parts of the Black Sea still under Ukraine's control.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

I softly close the door, knowing I’m leaving a piece of my heart behind and wondering if I’ll ever forgive myself.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Related Words

• delicately
• faintly
• gently
• gingerly
• quietly
• smoothly
• tenderly