Pronunciation

/ˈsɒftli/

Definitions

• Adverb: Describing or characterized by a gentle or quiet manner. For example: “He spoke softly to avoid waking the baby.”
• Adjective: Gentle, not harsh or loud. For example: “The music was softly played in the background.”
• Pronoun: (informal) An endearing form of “he” or “she” used to refer to oneself or another in a gentle manner. For example: “She whispered softly to her child.”

Phrases

• “Speak softly” means to talk in a gentle voice.
• “A softly spoken voice” describes a quiet and soothing tone.
• “He kissed her softly on the cheek.”

Example Sentences

• Adverb: “She gently patted the dog’s head, speaking softly to calm it.”
• Adjective: “The sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting softly colored shadows on the floor.”
• Pronoun: “I whispered softly, ‘Goodnight, my love.’”

Synonyms

• Gently
• Quietly
• Tenderly
• Delicately
• Subtly