Dictionary monolingual
English
Softly
ˈsɔf(t)li
Extremely common
600 - 700
600 - 700
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Softly -
Gently or quietly
Example: She whispered softly to the baby to help him fall asleep.
Usage: formalContext: professional settings, literature
Note: Commonly used in written and spoken English to describe actions done in a gentle or quiet manner.
In a smooth or soothing manner
Example: The music played softly in the background, creating a relaxing ambiance.
Usage: formal/informalContext: music, ambiance
Note: This usage often refers to something being done smoothly or in a way that is calming or pleasant to the senses.
Without force or harshness
Example: He spoke softly to avoid upsetting her further.
Usage: formal/informalContext: communication, conflict resolution
Note: Can be used in various contexts to indicate a gentle or non-threatening approach.
Softly's synonyms
gently
Gently means to do something in a mild or careful manner, often with a soft touch or approach.
Example: She whispered gently to the baby to soothe him to sleep.
Note: Gently implies a sense of carefulness or tenderness in the action.
quietly
Quietly means to do something with little or no noise, in a hushed or subdued manner.
Example: He tiptoed quietly across the room so as not to wake anyone.
Note: Quietly focuses more on the absence of noise rather than the softness of the action.
tenderly
Tenderly means to do something with gentleness, kindness, or affection.
Example: He held her hand tenderly, showing his affection and care for her.
Note: Tenderly emphasizes the emotional aspect of the soft action.
mildly
Mildly means to do something in a gentle or moderate way, without harshness or severity.
Example: She spoke mildly to avoid escalating the argument.
Note: Mildly suggests a moderate or restrained approach rather than a strong or forceful one.
Softly expressions, common phrases
Speak softly
To speak quietly or in a gentle tone.
Example: She spoke softly to the scared child to calm him down.
Note: Softly specifically refers to the volume or tone of speech.
Handle with kid gloves
To handle something carefully or gently, with sensitivity.
Example: He always handles delicate situations with kid gloves, avoiding confrontation.
Note: Kid gloves implies extreme care and gentleness beyond just being soft.
Softly, softly catchy monkey
To proceed cautiously or gently in order to achieve a desired outcome.
Example: The team approached negotiations softly, softly, hoping to win over the client gradually.
Note: This idiom emphasizes a gradual, subtle approach to achieving a goal.
Softly, softly, catchee monkey
To proceed slowly and carefully in order to achieve success.
Example: The coach advised the players to take it softly, softly during the first half of the game.
Note: Similar to the previous idiom, it highlights a careful and gradual strategy.
Land softly
To land or touch down gently and without impact.
Example: The gymnast managed to land softly after a high-flying routine.
Note: Softly here refers to a gentle landing without force or noise.
Whisper sweet nothings
To speak loving or romantic words softly and intimately.
Example: He whispered sweet nothings in her ear to show his affection.
Note: Sweet nothings are tender, affectionate words spoken softly.
Softly-softly approach
To handle a situation with caution, avoiding aggressive or forceful actions.
Example: The teacher took a softly-softly approach to discipline, preferring gentle guidance over strict punishment.
Note: Softly-softly suggests a careful, gentle method of dealing with issues.
Softly everyday (slang) expressions
Pillow-soft
Describing something very soft and cushiony, like a soft pillow.
Example: The baby's cheeks were pillow-soft to the touch.
Note: It conveys a higher level of softness and comfort compared to just being soft.
Silky
Having a smooth and soft texture like silk.
Example: The fabric of her dress felt silky against her skin.
Note: Focuses on the smooth and luxurious quality of softness, often in reference to textures.
Whisper-like
Resembling a soft or gentle whisper in sound or manner.
Example: Her voice was whisper-like as she sang the lullaby to the baby.
Note: Refers to a softness associated with the quiet and hushed tone of a whisper.
Feather-light
Extremely light and delicate, like the touch of a feather.
Example: The butterfly landed on her hand with a feather-light touch.
Note: Highlights the lightness and delicacy of softness, often suggesting fragility.
Subdued
Being soft or restrained in intensity or emotion.
Example: His voice was subdued as he spoke about the tragic event.
Note: Involves a softness that is subdued or toned down, often associated with a lack of energy or vigor.
Softly - Examples
She spoke softly to the baby.
The music played softly in the background.
He touched her face softly.
Softly grammar
Softly - Adverb (Adverb) / Adverb (Adverb)
Lemma: softly
Conjugations
Adverb (Adverb): softly
Syllables, Separation and Stress
softly Contains 1 syllables: soft
Phonetic transcription: ˈsȯft
soft , ˈsȯft (The red syllable is stressed)
Softly - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
softly: 600 - 700 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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