softly
Americanadverb
-
in a low pitch or volume; quietly.
We spoke softly so as not to wake the baby.
Jazz was playing softly in the background.
-
Music. with a smoothly subdued and gentle sound.
In this passage, the horns exit softly as the violins become more vibrant.
-
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.
-
in a gentle, warm-hearted, or compassionate manner; tenderly; sympathetically.
She softly embraced her son and reassured him of her love.
Etymology
Origin of softly
First recorded in 1200–50; soft ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It’s in the way the steering hydraulics softly attenuate kickback at full lock.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026
Under the spotlight, her sentimental vocals land softly with a crowd that’s happy to see her.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026
“I don’t know. I don’t know,” Dorsainvil said softly, his head hanging and gaze distant, when asked what was next for him.
From Salon ● Jun. 27, 2026
He said he didn't have the angle for a dunk "so I tried to tip it in softly and it went in."
From Barron's ● Jun. 11, 2026
“According to Mr. Pinkerton,” she said softly, a smile painted on her lips as she realigned her fork and knife, “Mr. Drysdale is the one, yes.”
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
