softly

Everyday

1. Softly means quietly, not loudly. tree →
2. Softly means gently, with little force. tree →
3. Softly can mean in a kind, tender way. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it tells the reader that a sound is quiet or an action is gentle, often to show care, calm, secrecy or a sleeping person: «she spoke softly», «snow fell softly». In music and drama it tells you how to perform. Phrases: «speak softly», «softly, softly», «tread softly», «close the door softly».

Examples

• Please speak softly; the baby is asleep. tree →
• Snow fell softly on the roofs. tree →
• She closed the door softly behind her. tree →
• The music played softly in the background. tree →
• He softly stroked the kitten. tree →
• The wind blew softly through the trees. tree →
• "It's all right," Grandma said softly. tree →
• Tiptoe softly so you don't wake anyone. tree →
• She answered softly, “Yes, dear Beast.” tree →

Note

Adverb from «soft» + -ly. The opposite is «loudly» (for sound) or «roughly/hard» (for touch). Note the «t» is often silent: «sof-ly».

In Jewish tradition

It can mean gently or quietly, as with the slow waters of Shiloah or Ruth's quiet approach to Boaz.

Interpretation. Isaiah makes the soft waters of Shiloah stand for God's gentle rule, which Judah refused. Ruth's quiet step shows her modesty and care.

Examples

• Forasmuch as this people hath refused the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoiceth with Rezin and Remaliah's son; (Prophets ISA.8.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• He hath both spoken unto me, and Himself hath done it; I shall go softly all my years for the bitterness of my soul. (Prophets ISA.38.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn; and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down. (Writings RUT.3.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adverb from «soft» + -ly. The opposite is «loudly» (for sound) or «roughly/hard» (for touch). Note the «t» is often silent: «sof-ly».