[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/softly/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [S](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/s/) / softly

# softly

adverb

«softly» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Softly means quietly, not loudly. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softly/#m1)
2. Softly means gently, with little force. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softly/#m2)
3. Softly can mean in a kind, tender way. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softly/#m3)

### In the lessons

In stories it tells the reader that a sound is quiet or an action is gentle, often to show care, calm, secrecy or a sleeping person: «she spoke softly», «snow fell softly». In music and drama it tells you how to perform. Phrases: «speak softly», «softly, softly», «tread softly», «close the door softly».

### Examples

- Please speak softly; the baby is asleep. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softly/#x1)
- Snow fell softly on the roofs. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softly/#x2)
- She closed the door softly behind her. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softly/#x3)
- The music played softly in the background. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softly/#x4)
- He softly stroked the kitten. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softly/#x5)
- The wind blew softly through the trees. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softly/#x6)
- "It's all right," Grandma said softly. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softly/#x7)
- Tiptoe softly so you don't wake anyone. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softly/#x8)
- She answered softly, “Yes, dear Beast.” [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softly/#x9)

### Note

Adverb from «soft» + -ly. The opposite is «loudly» (for sound) or «roughly/hard» (for touch). Note the «t» is often silent: «sof-ly».

## In Jewish tradition

It can mean gently or quietly, as with the slow waters of Shiloah or Ruth's quiet approach to Boaz.

**Interpretation.** Isaiah makes the soft waters of Shiloah stand for God's gentle rule, which Judah refused. Ruth's quiet step shows her modesty and care.

### Examples

- Forasmuch as this people hath refused the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoiceth with Rezin and Remaliah's son; (Prophets ISA.8.6, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/softly/#x1)
- He hath both spoken unto me, and Himself hath done it; I shall go softly all my years for the bitterness of my soul. (Prophets ISA.38.15, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/softly/#x2)
- And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn; and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down. (Writings RUT.3.7, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/softly/#x3)

### Note

Adverb from «soft» + -ly. The opposite is «loudly» (for sound) or «roughly/hard» (for touch). Note the «t» is often silent: «sof-ly».

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «softly» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softly/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«softly» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/softly.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «softly» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/softly/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«softly» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/softly.html) on Mova free.