- in a low pitch or volume; quietly: We spoke softly so as not to wake the baby.Jazz was playing softly in the background.
- with a smoothly subdued and gentle sound: In this passage, the horns exit softly as the violins become more vibrant.
- in a way that is neither harsh nor glaring to the eye: The room was softly lit with a dimmed chandelier and six flickering candles.
- in a gentle, warm-hearted, or compassionate manner; tenderly; sympathetically: She softly embraced her son and reassured him of her love.
