softly

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   with low volume

   speak softly but carry a big stick

2. 2
   adv

   used as a direction in music

   to be played relatively softly

3. 3
   adv

   in a manner that is pleasing to the senses

   I spoke softly, as to not disturb anyone.

4. 4
   adv

   In a soft manner; gently.

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

5. 5
   adv

   Not loudly; nearly inaudibly.

   whisper softly in someone's ear

6. 6
   adv

   With subdued color; faded or misty with distance.

   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.

7. 7
   adv

   with little weight or force

Etymology

From Middle English softely, softeliche, equivalent to soft + -ly.