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.
He was softly spoken as he answered almost every question from the judge with either "yes, your honour" or "no, your honour".
From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026
The victim was quiet in a different way - speaking softly and with dignity as she relived events from 23 years ago.
From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026
“That execution was perfection,” said Doncic, who clenched both fists when Reaves’ shot dropped softly through the net.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026
Ms. Davidsen’s soprano is both beautiful and brilliantly penetrating; she can also sing softly and still be heard.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026
So softly that I had to lean down to hear her words.
From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler
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.
