Softly means in a gentle, quiet, or delicate way. When you speak softly, your voice is low and calm, like when you whisper to avoid waking a sleeping baby. When snow falls softly, it drifts down in light, quiet flakes instead of pounding down in a blizzard.

The word describes doing something with less force, volume, or intensity than usual. A pianist might play a passage softly to create a peaceful mood, or you might close a door softly so it doesn't slam. When your mom hums softly while cooking dinner, the sound is soothing rather than loud or jarring.

Softly can also describe something done with tenderness or care. A veterinarian speaks softly to a frightened puppy to help it feel safe. You might stroke a cat's fur softly to show affection without startling it.

The opposite of softly would be harshly, loudly, or roughly.