softly
softly — adverb
1. Done or said with little noise, pressure, or force — often when trying not to di
Done or said with little noise, pressure, or force — often when trying not to disturb others or when acting with care and kindness.
Mert softly touched the cat's ears, not wanting to wake it.
softly + touch (physical gentleness)
'Keep your voice down,' Eve said softly, glancing at the sleeping child.
The rain fell softly on the roof, making a steady ticking sound.
Jessica spoke so softly that no one at the back of the room heard her.
The nurse spoke softly to the frightened child, telling her everything would be okay.
用法筆記
Commonly pairs with verbs of speaking (said, whispered, spoke) and gentle physical actions (touched, closed, placed).
常見錯誤
2. Used for describing light, colour, shape, or texture that is pleasing and gentle
Used for describing light, colour, shape, or texture that is pleasing and gentle rather than bright, harsh, or sharp.
The room was lit softly by candles on the wooden shelf.
softly + lit (gentle light description)
Anong traced the softly rounded edges of the stone with her thumb.
softly + rounded (shape description)
The hills rose and fell softly against the evening sky.
Old photographs fade softly over time, losing their vivid colours.
softly — adjective
1. having a mild, gentle, or quiet character; not harsh or aggressive — used in lit
having a mild, gentle, or quiet character; not harsh or aggressive — used in literary or dialectal English to describe a person's manner, voice, or approach.
His softly voice, though quiet, held the attention of everyone in the hall.
softly as adjective + noun (literary usage)
The old fisherman had a softly manner that reminded Nadia of warm summer afternoons.
Feng's softly reply surprised the whole room with its unexpected warmth.
There was a softly sadness in the old song that made everyone pause and listen.
- harsh
opposite in character; rough or severe rather than gentle
文法句型
softly + noun
用法筆記
This adjectival use of 'softly' is rare in modern standard English. In everyday speech and writing, the standard adjective 'soft' is used instead (e.g., 'a soft voice,' 'a soft manner'). This form is chiefly found in literary texts or regional dialects.