softly

/ˈsɒftli/

in a quiet, gentle manner

She spoke softly to avoid waking the baby.

She used a quiet, gentle voice to prevent disturbing the sleeping baby.

general

in a quiet, gentle manner

The music played softly in the background.

The music was played at a low volume, creating a gentle atmosphere.

He closed the door softly to not disturb anyone.

He closed the door gently to avoid making noise.

Often used to describe actions or sounds that are quiet and gentle.

Collocations

softly spokendescribing someone who speaks in a quiet, gentle voicesoftly whisperedspoken in a very quiet, almost inaudible manner

gradually and carefully

Use 'softly' to describe actions or sounds that are intended to be gentle or unobtrusive, such as speaking quietly or closing a door gently.

From Middle English 'softly,' from 'soft' (gentle, mild) + '-ly' (adverbial suffix).

Commonly used to describe actions or sounds that are intended to be gentle or unobtrusive.

soft

gentle, mild

root

-ly

adverbial suffix

suffix

English Dictionary