softly — English Dictionary

Adverb

1. In a soft manner; gently.

   Examples

   The masseuse was rubbing my back too softly for my liking, so I asked her to go harder.

   More examples (1)

   He had married a lady well educated and softly nurtured, but not dowered with worldly wealth. […] They would give up ideas of gentle living, of soft raiment, and delicate feeding.

2. Not loudly; nearly inaudibly.

   Examples

   whisper softly in someone's ear

   play music softly

3. With subdued color; faded or misty with distance.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   And they sat very still, the two of them, and looked out over that great, beautiful desert—away to the home mesa that they could see, softly blue, in the distance.

Adverb

1. with low volume

   Synonyms

   quietly

   Antonyms

   loudly

   Examples

   speak softly but carry a big stick

   she spoke quietly to the child

   More examples (1)

   the radio was playing softly

2. in a manner that is pleasing to the senses

   Examples

   she smiled softly

3. with little weight or force

   Synonyms

   lightlygently

   Examples

   she kissed him lightly on the forehead

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

   Synonyms

   piano