softly
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: 1. With little weight or force; gently: In a way that applies minimal pressure or impact. 2. With low volume; quietly: Producing little sound; not loudly. 3. In a gentle, mild, or pleasing manner: In a way that is soothing or not harsh to the senses. 4. Used as a direction in music: An instruction to play or sing relatively quietly, often indicated by the term "piano."
Usage and Examples
- She softly kissed him on the forehead. (With little force)
- Please speak softly in the library. (With low volume)
- The mother softly hummed a lullaby to the baby. (In a gentle, pleasing manner)
- The pianist played the marked passage softly. (As a musical direction)
Advanced Usage
- "to tread softly": To proceed with great caution, tact, or gentleness.
- You need to tread softly when discussing such a sensitive topic.
- "softly-softly" (adjective, chiefly British): Cautious and patient, especially in an investigative approach.
- The police adopted a softly-softly strategy to gain the community's trust.
Variants and Related Words
- Soft (adjective): Not hard, rough, or loud.
- a soft blanket; a soft voice
- Softness (noun): The quality of being soft.
- the softness of her skin
Synonyms
- Gently: With a mild, kind, or tender manner.
- Quietly: Making little or no noise.
- Lightly: With little weight or force.
- Piano (musical term): To be performed softly.
Antonyms
- Loudly: With a great deal of volume.
- Harshly: In a rough or cruel manner.
- Forcefully: With strong power or intensity.
Related Phrases
- Speak softly and carry a big stick: A proverb advocating for a diplomatic but firm approach, backed by strength.
Adverb
- used as a direction in music; to be played relatively softly
- with little weight or force
- she kissed him lightly on the forehead
- in a manner that is pleasing to the senses
- she smiled softly
- with low volume
- speak softly but carry a big stick
- she spoke quietly to the child
- the radio was playing softly