Phrase guide

softly softly

adj · adv · 2 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

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1

adj

Meaning 1

Discreet, low-key, careful.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, not-comparable

Qualifier: often hyphenated

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adv

Meaning 2

In a very tactful, careful, or nondisruptive manner.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, not-comparable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Reduplication of softly. Likely an allusion to softly, softly, catchee monkey or a similar phrase.

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: pehmo- — discreet, careful
  • Finnish: hyvin varovainen — discreet, careful
  • Swedish: varsam — discreet, careful
  • Swedish: försiktig — discreet, careful
  • Swedish: mjuk — discreet, careful
  • Finnish: hyvin varovasti — in a very tactful, careful manner
  • Spanish: muy suavemente — in a very tactful, careful manner
  • Swedish: varsamt — in a very tactful, careful manner
  • Swedish: försiktigt — in a very tactful, careful manner