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Added 9 October 2026

softly

/ˈsɔftli/ adverb

In Latin: molliter, leniter Wiktionary

adverb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about softly at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

With low volume.
speak softly but carry a big stick
In a manner that is pleasing to the senses.
she smiled softly
With little weight or force.
she kissed him lightly on the forehead

Origin

From Middle English softely, softeliche, equivalent to soft + -ly.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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