See Also: softly(1)(dictionary)
softly(2)(dictionary)
softly-softly(dictionary)
tread-softly(medicine)
softly-spoken(dictionary)
Warm treacle tart with softly whipped cream(recipes)

softly(2) (iou)



softly adverb & interjection. ME.
[from SOFT adjective + -LY2.]
A. adverb.
Gently, tenderly. ME.
M. Callaghan He..stroked her hair softly.
With a soft or subdued voice or utterance; in a low or gentle tone. ME.
I. Murdoch I spoke softly, but the words seemed like thunder.
Quietly, noiselessly; lightly. Also, unobtrusively, stealthily. ME.
softly softly (catchee monkey) cautiously; discreetly and with cunning.
J. Barth I..opened the door softly, and tiptoed inside.
Slowly, with an easy pace or motion. LME.
Comfortably, luxuriously. LME.
Gradually; gently. LME.
In a subdued manner. E19.
b. interjection. = SOFT interjection. arch. LME.