SOFTLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does softly mean? 

• SOFTLY (adverb)
  The adverb SOFTLY has 4 senses:

1. with low volume

2. in a manner that is pleasing to the senses

3. with little weight or force

4. used as a direction in music; to be played relatively softly

  Familiarity information: SOFTLY used as an adverb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SOFTLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

With low volume

Synonyms:

quietly; softly

Context example:

the radio was playing softly

Antonym:

loudly (with relatively high volume)

Pertainym:

soft ((of sound) relatively low in volume)

Sense 2

Meaning:

In a manner that is pleasing to the senses

Context example:

she smiled softly

Sense 3

Meaning:

With little weight or force

Synonyms:

gently; lightly; softly

Context example:

she kissed him lightly on the forehead

Sense 4

Meaning:

Used as a direction in music; to be played relatively softly

Synonyms:

piano; softly

 Context examples 

I saw it move a little more, and a hand softly interpose to keep it open.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

“Now he has got my letter,” said she softly.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

For the better part of an hour the wild brother ran by his side, whining softly.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

When I came softly in, I found Van Helsing with a sheet or two of note-paper in his hand.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

He whistled to himself, softly, first with surprise, and then, at the end, with admiration.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

"What can I do for you?" she inquired softly, for she was moved by the sad voice in which the man spoke.

(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)

He consented, and I immediately stripped myself stark naked, and went down softly into the stream.

(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)

"And he wrote that report," Martin said softly.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

At this the thieves were frightened, and said, “Softly, softly! Speak low, that you may not awaken anybody.”

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)

Before I could utter it he turned into his chamber and softly closed the door.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)