softly
gb/sˈɔftli/ us/sˈɔftli/
A2
Anglais
~ 700
Sens
0 sens
adverb
A2
property
1
In a quiet and gentle manner
In a way that is quiet and gentle.
Schéma d’usage :
[verb] softly
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'softly' with 'soft', using the adjective form when an adverb is needed. For example: 'She speaks soft' instead of 'She speaks softly'.
Synonymes
quietly (Similar meaning but focuses solely on low volume, without necessarily implying gentleness.)
|
gently (Emphasizes mildness or care, not always about sound level.)
Antonymes
loudly (Opposite in terms of volume and force.)
|
harshly (Opposite in tone, being rough or severe instead of gentle.)
Collocations
speak softly
|whisper softly
|sing softly
|close softly
Thèmes
daily life
|communication
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- She spoke softly so as not to wake the baby.
- The wind blew softly through the trees.
- He closed the door softly behind him.
- Music played softly in the background.
Exemples pédagogiques
- She speaks softly to her cat.
- The music plays softly.
- He walks softly into the room.
- Please talk softly in the library.
adverb
B1
property
2
In a mild or tender manner
In a kind and not strong way.
Schéma d’usage :
[verb] softly
Synonymes
tenderly (Emphasizes affection and care more strongly.)
|
gently (Often interchangeable, but can also refer to physical actions.)
Antonymes
roughly (Opposite in terms of being harsh or physically forceful.)
|
sternly (Opposite in emotional tone, being strict instead of kind.)
Collocations
touch softly
|smile softly
|breathe softly
Thèmes
emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- He touched her hand softly.
- She smiled softly at the child.
- He breathed softly as he slept.
Exemples pédagogiques
- He smiles softly at her.
- She touches the baby softly.
- The cat purrs softly in my lap.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
softly
API
GB/sˈɔftli/
US/sˈɔftli/
Syllabes et accentuation
softly (1 syllabe)
Stress on 1st syllable (softly)
Formes du mot
Noun
- Base: softly
- Plural: softlies
Famille de mots
Expressions
softly spoken
1/sˈɔftli spˈoʊkən/
fixed phrase
Having a quiet, gentle voice
Describes someone who speaks in a quiet and gentle way.
Exemples
- He is a softly spoken man with kind eyes.
- She is softly spoken but very persuasive.
speak softly
1/spˈik sˈɔftli/
fixed phrase
Speak in a quiet, gentle way
To talk in a voice that is quiet and gentle.
Exemples
- Please speak softly; the baby is sleeping.
- She spoke softly so no one else could hear.