Imagine a little kitten. When it walks, it walks very gently, almost like you can't hear its tiny paws. That's walking softly.
Or think about someone who is trying not to wake a sleeping baby. They close the door very quietly. They close it softly.
It means doing something in a quiet or gentle way, not loud or strong.
The word softly is an adverb. This means it describes how an action is done. If you do something softly, it means you do it in a quiet or gentle way.
For example, you can walk softly so no one hears you. Or, you can speak softly when someone is sleeping. It's the opposite of loudly or harshly.
softly 30秒了解
- quietly
- gently
- mildly
§ What Does 'Softly' Mean?
The word 'softly' is an adverb that describes an action performed in a quiet, gentle, or delicate manner. It's often used to indicate a low volume of sound, a light touch, or a subtle movement. Think of it as the opposite of loudly, harshly, or forcefully. When someone does something softly, they are being careful not to create much noise or disturbance, or to apply much pressure.
- Definition
- In a quiet or gentle way.
At a CEFR A2 level, understanding 'softly' is important for describing everyday actions and situations where a gentle approach is needed. It helps you express nuances in how things are done, making your communication more precise and natural.
§ When Do People Use 'Softly'?
People use 'softly' in a wide variety of contexts to convey a sense of quietness, gentleness, or care. Here are some common situations:
- Describing Sound: This is perhaps the most frequent use. When someone speaks, sings, or makes any sound at a low volume, 'softly' is the perfect word.
She whispered softly so as not to wake the baby.
The music played softly in the background.
- Describing Touch or Movement: When an action involves physical contact or motion that is gentle and light, 'softly' is used. This can imply care, delicacy, or an attempt to avoid disturbance.
He touched her hand softly.
The cat walked softly across the floor.
- Describing Weather or Natural Phenomena: Sometimes, 'softly' can describe natural occurrences that are gentle or subtle.
The rain fell softly on the windowpane.
- Describing Emotional Expression: When emotions are expressed in a gentle or subdued way, 'softly' can be used.
She smiled softly at his kind words.
Understanding these various applications of 'softly' will greatly enhance your ability to describe situations with greater accuracy and emotional depth. It's a versatile word that can add a touch of grace or subtlety to your sentences. At the A2 level, practicing its use in different contexts, particularly with verbs related to speaking, moving, and touching, will solidify your understanding.
§ Understanding 'Softly'
- DEFINITION
- In a quiet or gentle way.
The word 'softly' is an adverb. Adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. In this case, 'softly' describes *how* an action is performed, indicating that it is done in a quiet or gentle manner. It's a versatile word that can be used in many contexts to add a sense of calm, quietness, or gentleness to a sentence.
§ Basic Sentence Structure with 'Softly'
You can usually place 'softly' after the verb it modifies, or sometimes at the beginning or end of a sentence for emphasis.
- After the verb: This is the most common and natural placement for 'softly'. It directly tells us how the action was done.
- At the beginning of the sentence: This can create a more literary or dramatic effect, drawing attention to the quietness or gentleness of the action from the start.
- At the end of the sentence: Similar to placing it after the verb, this emphasizes the manner of the action.
§ Examples in Sentences
Let's look at some examples of 'softly' in different contexts:
She closed the door softly so as not to wake the baby.
In this example, 'softly' describes *how* she closed the door – in a quiet and gentle way.
The snow fell softly on the quiet town.
Here, 'softly' describes the gentle way the snow was falling.
Softly, she whispered a secret into his ear.
In this sentence, 'softly' is placed at the beginning, emphasizing the quietness of the whisper.
He spoke softly, trying not to disturb anyone.
This shows 'softly' describing the manner of speaking.
The cat padded softly across the carpet.
Here, 'softly' highlights the quiet and gentle movement of the cat.
§ 'Softly' with Prepositions
While 'softly' itself doesn't directly take prepositions, it can often be found in sentences where the action it modifies involves a prepositional phrase. The prepositional phrase clarifies *where* or *to what* the action is directed, while 'softly' describes *how* it's done.
- Softly + (verb) + (prepositional phrase): The adverb 'softly' still describes the verb, and the prepositional phrase provides additional context.
She walked softly into the room.
Here, 'into the room' is a prepositional phrase indicating direction, and 'softly' modifies 'walked'.
He touched the flower softly with his fingertips.
'With his fingertips' is a prepositional phrase, and 'softly' describes 'touched'.
§ Common Collocations with 'Softly'
'Softly' is often used with verbs related to sound, touch, and movement.
- Speaking/Sound: whisper softly, speak softly, sing softly, hum softly, tread softly
- Movement: walk softly, step softly, close softly, open softly
- Touch: touch softly, stroke softly, pat softly
§ 'Softly' vs. 'Soft'
It's important to distinguish between 'softly' (an adverb) and 'soft' (an adjective).
- SOFT (ADJECTIVE)
- Describes a noun (e.g., a soft pillow, soft music).
- SOFTLY (ADVERB)
- Describes a verb, telling how an action is performed.
The blanket felt soft.
('Soft' describes the blanket).
He sang softly.
('Softly' describes how he sang).
By understanding these uses and placements, you can confidently integrate 'softly' into your English sentences to add nuanced descriptions of actions.
按水平分级的例句
The cat walked softly.
猫はそっと歩いた。
She spoke softly to the baby.
彼女は赤ちゃんに優しく話した。
He closed the door softly.
彼はそっとドアを閉めた。
The snow fell softly.
雪が静かに降った。
Please sing softly.
静かに歌ってください。
The music played softly.
音楽が静かに流れた。
He touched her hand softly.
彼はそっと彼女の手に触れた。
The wind blew softly.
風がそっと吹いた。
She closed the door softly so the baby wouldn't wake up.
She closed the door in a quiet way so the baby wouldn't wake up.
Adverb 'softly' describes the verb 'closed'.
He spoke softly, so I had to lean in to hear him.
He spoke in a gentle way, so I had to lean in to hear him.
Adverb 'softly' describes the verb 'spoke'.
The snow fell softly, covering the ground in white.
The snow fell gently, covering the ground in white.
Adverb 'softly' describes the verb 'fell'.
She sang a lullaby softly to her child.
She sang a lullaby in a quiet way to her child.
Adverb 'softly' describes the verb 'sang'.
The cat walked softly across the floor.
The cat walked gently across the floor.
Adverb 'softly' describes the verb 'walked'.
He touched her hand softly to get her attention.
He touched her hand gently to get her attention.
Adverb 'softly' describes the verb 'touched'.
The wind blew softly through the trees.
The wind blew gently through the trees.
Adverb 'softly' describes the verb 'blew'.
Please speak softly in the library.
Please speak in a quiet way in the library.
Adverb 'softly' describes the verb 'speak'.
She closed the ancient tome softly, as if not to disturb the dust of ages settled upon its cover.
She closed the old book gently, as if not to disturb the dust that had settled on its cover for a long time.
The adverb 'softly' modifies the verb 'closed', indicating the manner of the action. The phrase 'as if not to disturb' introduces a hypothetical consequence.
The diplomat, known for his nuanced approach, softly steered the conversation away from the contentious topic, preserving a fragile peace.
The diplomat, known for his subtle way of doing things, gently guided the conversation away from the controversial subject, maintaining a delicate peace.
'Softly' modifies 'steered', suggesting a delicate and indirect action. 'Known for' introduces a characteristic of the diplomat.
He spoke so softly that her ears strained to catch every hushed syllable, each word a carefully placed stone in a mosaic of confession.
He spoke so quietly that she had to listen very carefully to hear every whispered sound, each word a deliberately placed piece in a pattern of admission.
'So softly that' expresses consequence. 'Strained to catch' indicates effort. 'Each word a carefully placed stone' is a metaphor.
The artist's brush, weighted with a lifetime of experience, softly caressed the canvas, coaxing forth a masterpiece of light and shadow.
The artist's brush, heavy with many years of experience, gently touched the canvas, slowly bringing out a brilliant work of art with light and shadow.
'Softly caressed' emphasizes the delicate touch. 'Coaxing forth' implies a gradual and gentle persuasion.
Despite the tumultuous events unfolding around them, the couple exchanged vows softly, their voices a tender counterpoint to the clamor.
Even with the chaotic events happening around them, the couple exchanged their promises quietly, their voices a gentle contrast to the noise.
'Despite' introduces a contrasting circumstance. 'Softly' modifies 'exchanged', highlighting the quiet nature of their vows.
The ancient ruins, softened by centuries of wind and rain, stood as a testament to civilizations that had risen and fallen softly into oblivion.
The old ruins, worn down by hundreds of years of wind and rain, served as proof of civilizations that had appeared and then quietly faded into obscurity.
'Softened by' indicates the effect of natural forces. 'Fallen softly into oblivion' uses 'softly' metaphorically to suggest a gradual and unnoticeable disappearance.
She handled the antique lace softly, her fingers tracing the delicate patterns, acutely aware of its historical fragility.
She handled the old lace gently, her fingers following the fine designs, very aware of how easily it could be damaged because of its age.
'Softly' modifies 'handled', indicating carefulness. 'Acutely aware of' expresses heightened consciousness.
The twilight descended softly, painting the sky with hues of lavender and rose, ushering in the quietude of the evening.
The evening light came down gently, coloring the sky with shades of purple and pink, bringing in the calmness of the night.
'Descended softly' personifies twilight, suggesting a gentle arrival. 'Painting the sky' is a vivid descriptive phrase.
小贴士
Listen to how it's used
Pay attention to how 'softly' is used in conversations, songs, and movies. This helps you understand its natural rhythm and common contexts. For example, listen for phrases like 'speak softly' or 'tread softly'.
Practice pronunciation
Say 'softly' out loud multiple times. Focus on the 's' sound at the beginning and the 'ly' at the end. You can record yourself and compare it to native speakers to improve. Remember, it's 'soft-ly'.
Use it in sentences
Create your own sentences using 'softly'. The more you use it, the better you'll remember it. Try sentences like, 'She sang softly to the baby' or 'The snow fell softly'.
Connect with synonyms
Think of words with similar meanings like 'gently' or 'quietly'. Understanding these connections can broaden your vocabulary and help you remember 'softly'. 'Gently' is a great synonym.
Visualize the action
When you hear or say 'softly', try to imagine an action happening in a quiet or gentle way. Picture a cat walking softly, or someone whispering softly. This creates a stronger memory.
Flashcards for quick review
Make a flashcard with 'softly' on one side and its definition on the other. Include a simple sentence. Review these cards regularly to reinforce your memory. Don't forget the example sentence: 'He closed the door softly.'
Read example sentences
Look up 'softly' in a dictionary or online to find various example sentences. This shows you different contexts where the word is appropriate. Pay attention to the verbs it often modifies, like 'speak softly' or 'walk softly'.
Adverb vs. Adjective
Remember that 'softly' is an adverb, meaning it describes a verb (how something is done). The adjective is 'soft'. Understanding this difference is key to using it correctly. 'Softly' modifies actions, while 'soft' describes nouns.
Teach it to someone else
Explaining 'softly' and its meaning to a friend or another language learner can solidify your own understanding. The act of teaching requires you to recall and organize the information. Try to explain 'in a quiet or gentle way'.
Regular review
Don't just learn 'softly' once and forget it. Integrate it into your vocabulary review routine. Consistent exposure helps move it from your short-term to long-term memory. Try to use it in conversation at least once a week: 'Can you please speak more softly?'
记住它
记忆技巧
Imagine a **soft** toy whispering **softly** to you.
视觉联想
Picture a cloud floating **softly** across the sky, leaving a gentle trail. Connect the softness of the cloud to the word 'softly' and its meaning.
Word Web
挑战
Describe a scene using the word 'softly' at least twice. For example: 'The snow fell **softly**, covering the ground in a white blanket. She spoke **softly** so as not to wake the baby.'
常见问题
10 个问题'Softly' means in a quiet or gentle way. For example, 'She spoke softly' means she spoke in a quiet way.
Certainly! You could say, 'The snow fell softly,' meaning the snow fell gently and quietly.
Not at all! While it's often used with sound, it can also describe gentle movements or touches. Think of 'He touched her hand softly.'
The opposite of 'softly' would often be 'loudly' or 'harshly,' depending on the context.
Yes, it is quite common, especially at the A2 CEFR level. You'll hear and see it often.
That's an interesting question! While less common, you could describe a color as 'softly blended' to mean it's gently mixed, but for the color itself, you might use 'soft' (e.g., 'a soft pink').
No, not always. While 'quiet' is a common meaning, it can also mean 'gently.' So, something can happen softly without necessarily being quiet.
Yes, there is! 'Soft' is an adjective, describing a noun (e.g., 'a soft pillow'). 'Softly' is an adverb, describing a verb (e.g., 'She sang softly').
Absolutely! For example, 'Softly, she closed the door' is perfectly fine.
Some synonyms for 'softly' include 'gently,' 'quietly,' 'mildly,' or 'delicately,' depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
自我测试 24 个问题
The correct order is Subject (She) + Verb (spoke) + Adverb (softly).
The correct order is Subject (He) + Verb (closed) + Object (the door) + Adverb (softly).
The correct order is Article (The) + Subject (cat) + Verb (walked) + Adverb (softly).
Imagine you are trying to comfort a scared pet. Describe what you would say and do, making sure to use the word 'softly' at least once in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I would approach the scared kitten softly, whispering reassuring words like, 'It's okay, little one.' I'd offer my hand gently for it to sniff, hoping to gain its trust. I'd move slowly and avoid any sudden movements.
Write a short paragraph describing a peaceful natural scene, for example, a quiet forest or a calm lake, and include the word 'softly' to enhance the atmosphere.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The morning sun rose softly over the lake, painting the sky with delicate shades of pink and orange. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees, and the only sound was the distant call of a bird. It was a truly serene moment.
You are giving instructions to a young child about how to handle a delicate object. Write down what you would say, using 'softly' to emphasize carefulness.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Please pick up the glass vase very softly, darling. Hold it with both hands and don't squeeze it too tightly. It's very fragile, so we need to be extra careful.
Why did Sarah close the door softly?
Read this passage:
Sarah tiptoed into the baby's room. The little one was finally asleep after a long day of playing. Sarah closed the door softly, making sure not to disturb the peaceful slumber. She then went to the kitchen to prepare a quiet dinner.
Why did Sarah close the door softly?
The passage states that Sarah closed the door softly 'making sure not to disturb the peaceful slumber' of the baby.
The passage states that Sarah closed the door softly 'making sure not to disturb the peaceful slumber' of the baby.
What effect did the teacher's soft speaking have on the student?
Read this passage:
The teacher spoke softly to the nervous student, trying to calm their worries before the big presentation. She explained that it was okay to be a little scared, but reminded them of all the practice they had done. Her gentle tone helped the student relax.
What effect did the teacher's soft speaking have on the student?
The passage states, 'Her gentle tone helped the student relax,' directly indicating the effect of her soft speaking.
The passage states, 'Her gentle tone helped the student relax,' directly indicating the effect of her soft speaking.
What is the main characteristic of how the snow fell?
Read this passage:
As the snow began to fall, it landed softly on the branches of the trees, creating a beautiful white landscape. Each snowflake seemed to float down without a sound, adding to the serene quietness of the winter evening. Soon, everything was covered in a thick, soft blanket of white.
What is the main characteristic of how the snow fell?
The passage mentions the snow landing 'softly' and each snowflake floating down 'without a sound,' indicating a gentle and quiet descent.
The passage mentions the snow landing 'softly' and each snowflake floating down 'without a sound,' indicating a gentle and quiet descent.
Imagine you are describing a peaceful evening. Use the word "softly" to describe at least two different actions or sounds. Your description should be at least three sentences long.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft glow over the garden. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and the distant sound of music played softly, creating a truly peaceful evening atmosphere.
Write a short paragraph about how someone might try to comfort a crying child. Include the word "softly" in your description of their actions or words.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
She knelt down and spoke softly to the crying child, offering a warm hug. She gently stroked his hair, trying to soothe his upset. Gradually, his sobs began to subside.
Describe a secret or a confidential conversation. How would someone speak "softly" in such a situation? Write a short dialogue (2-3 exchanges) incorporating the word.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
"Did you hear the news?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. He leaned in closer. "Tell me softly, I don't want anyone else to know," he replied. "The manager is leaving next month," she confirmed, speaking softly.
What does the passage imply about the librarian's actions?
Read this passage:
The old librarian moved through the quiet aisles, her footsteps falling softly on the carpeted floor. She carefully arranged the books, occasionally humming a tune so low that it was almost imperceptible. A young student, engrossed in a textbook, looked up briefly, but the librarian's gentle presence was hardly a disturbance.
What does the passage imply about the librarian's actions?
The passage describes her footsteps 'softly' falling and her humming being 'almost imperceptible,' indicating she was being quiet and considerate.
The passage describes her footsteps 'softly' falling and her humming being 'almost imperceptible,' indicating she was being quiet and considerate.
How did the weather change after the storm, according to the passage?
Read this passage:
After the storm, the rain continued to fall softly, a gentle patter against the windowpane. The wind, which had raged violently just hours before, now sighed softly through the trees. A sense of calm descended upon the landscape, washing away the remnants of the tempest.
How did the weather change after the storm, according to the passage?
The passage states the rain fell 'softly' and the wind 'sighed softly,' indicating a shift to gentler weather.
The passage states the rain fell 'softly' and the wind 'sighed softly,' indicating a shift to gentler weather.
What technique did the artist use to create the portrait?
Read this passage:
The artist applied the paint softly to the canvas, blending the colors with a delicate touch. Each stroke was deliberate, creating a subtle graduation of shades. The resulting portrait had a dreamlike quality, its features emerging softly from the background.
What technique did the artist use to create the portrait?
The passage mentions the artist applied paint 'softly' and with a 'delicate touch,' suggesting a gentle approach.
The passage mentions the artist applied paint 'softly' and with a 'delicate touch,' suggesting a gentle approach.
The diplomat handled the delicate negotiations ___ avoiding any confrontational rhetoric.
To handle something 'softly' in this context means to do so carefully and gently, without aggression or harshness, which aligns with the idea of avoiding confrontational rhetoric during delicate negotiations.
Despite the harsh criticism, she responded to her detractors ___, maintaining her composure and dignity.
Responding 'softly' in the face of harsh criticism implies a gentle, calm, and non-aggressive demeanor, consistent with maintaining composure and dignity.
The painter applied the final glaze to the canvas ___, allowing the subtle nuances of color to emerge.
Applying a glaze 'softly' suggests a delicate and gentle touch, which is essential for revealing subtle nuances and avoiding harshness in a painting.
The news of the scandal rippled ___ through the elite circles, causing a silent stir rather than an uproar.
When news 'ripples softly', it implies a subtle, understated spread of information, leading to a silent stir rather than an overt uproar. This usage highlights the gentle and indirect manner of its dissemination.
He managed to broach the sensitive subject ___ during their conversation, careful not to upset her.
To broach a sensitive subject 'softly' means to introduce it gently and tactfully, indicating a deliberate effort to avoid causing distress or discomfort.
The experienced orator punctuated his powerful speech ___ with moments of quiet reflection, allowing his words to sink in.
Puncturing a speech 'softly' with quiet reflection implies the inclusion of gentle, subtle pauses or shifts in tone that allow the audience to absorb and contemplate the message, rather than a forceful or abrupt delivery.
/ 24 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'softly' describes an action performed with minimal sound or gentle force, conveying a sense of quietness or delicacy.
- quietly
- gently
- mildly
Listen to how it's used
Pay attention to how 'softly' is used in conversations, songs, and movies. This helps you understand its natural rhythm and common contexts. For example, listen for phrases like 'speak softly' or 'tread softly'.
Practice pronunciation
Say 'softly' out loud multiple times. Focus on the 's' sound at the beginning and the 'ly' at the end. You can record yourself and compare it to native speakers to improve. Remember, it's 'soft-ly'.
Use it in sentences
Create your own sentences using 'softly'. The more you use it, the better you'll remember it. Try sentences like, 'She sang softly to the baby' or 'The snow fell softly'.
Connect with synonyms
Think of words with similar meanings like 'gently' or 'quietly'. Understanding these connections can broaden your vocabulary and help you remember 'softly'. 'Gently' is a great synonym.
例句
She sang a lullaby softly to the baby.
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about
A1‘about’可以表示‘关于’某个话题，也可以表示‘大约’或‘左右’。
above
A2表示比其他事物更高的位置，就在上面。
accident
A2发生的不幸事件，可能造成损害或伤害。
action
A2为了达到目的而采取的行动过程。
after
A2‘after’的意思是‘在……之后’，表示在时间上或空间上晚于某事。
afterward
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again
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aged
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alive
A2指有生命的状态，不是死亡的。
