Pronunciation: [sˈɒftli] (IPA) 
The word "softly" is spelled with six letters, starting with the "s" sound, then followed by "o" as in "bought," pronounced /sɒftli/. The "f" and "t" sounds follow in sequence, pronounced /sɒftfli/, /sɒftli/. Finally, the last sound is the "lee" sound represented by "y," pronounced /sɒftli/. This word is commonly used to describe how sounds or actions are executed in a delicate or gentle manner.
Softly is an adverb that describes an action or state performed or experienced in a gentle, muffled, or delicate manner. It implies a characteristic of being quiet, calm, or subdued in nature. When used to describe a physical action, softly indicates a movement executed without force, harshness, or intensity.
In terms of sound, softly refers to a low volume, faintness, or lack of noise, often whispered or barely audible. It suggests a soothing or hushed quality, conveying serenity, tranquility, or peace. Softly can also depict a light or smooth texture, without any roughness or abrasiveness.
In an emotional context, softly suggests a sense of tenderness, empathy, or compassion. It can describe speaking or expressing sentiments in a sympathetic, comforting, or considerate manner. Softly is associated with sensitivity and showing understanding towards others' emotions or needs.
Furthermore, softly may be used metaphorically to convey a metaphorical or symbolic meaning. It can allude to an indirect or subtle method of conveying information, such as hinting or insinuating gently.
Overall, softly embodies a range of qualities that include gentleness, calmness, quietness, smoothness, and sensitivity. It is an adverb that encompasses physical, auditory, emotional, and metaphorical dimensions, and implies an absence of harshness, force, or unpleasantness.
Without hardness; not forcibly; not loudly; gently; mildly.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "softly" is derived from the Middle English word "sǒftli". It was formed by combining the Old English word "sōfte", meaning gentle or mild, with the suffix "-li", which denotes manner or way. The Old English term "sōfte" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*samftijaz", which shares a common root with the Old High German word "samfti" and the Old Norse word "sǫmtr". Ultimately, the origins of the word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*sem-", meaning mild or gentle.
