adv · 7 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
General-American:/ˈsɔftli/
cot-caught-merger:/ˈsɑftli/
Received-Pronunciation:/ˈsɒftli/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:S AO1 F T L IY0
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
CMU ARPABET 2:S AO1 F L IY0
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adv
Meaning 1
In a soft manner; gently.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
The masseuse was rubbing my back too softly for my liking, so I asked her to go harder.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
adv
Meaning 2
Not loudly; nearly inaudibly.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
whisper softly in someone's ear
play music softly
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
adv
Meaning 3
With subdued color; faded or misty with distance.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
adverb
Meaning 4
with low volume
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
speak softly but carry a big stick
she spoke quietly to the child
the radio was playing softly
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: quietly
Antonyms: loudly
5
adverb
Meaning 5
with little weight or force
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
she kissed him lightly on the forehead
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: lightly, gently
Antonyms: none provided
6
adverb
Meaning 6
used as a direction in music; to be played relatively softly
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: piano
Antonyms: none provided
7
adverb
Meaning 7
in a manner that is pleasing to the senses
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
she smiled softly
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
From Middle English softely, softeliche, equivalent to soft + -ly.
Across languages
Translations
38 source translations are retained for this English entry.
