How to pronounce softly
Say it like SAWFT-lee. Softly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAWFT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce softly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SAWFT
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Softly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SAWFTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of softly
American and British speakers say softly in essentially the same way: /ˈsɔftli/ in the US and /ˈsɒftli/ in the UK.
British respelling: SOFT-lee.
What does softly mean?
- with low volume“speak softly but carry a big stick”“she spoke quietly to the child”
- in a manner that is pleasing to the senses“she smiled softly”
- with little weight or force“she kissed him lightly on the forehead”
Where does softly come from?
From Middle English softely, softeliche, equivalent to soft + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying softly
How do you pronounce softly?
Say SAWFT-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɔftli/. In British English it is /ˈsɒftli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in softly?
Softly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAWFT). Broken into parts: SAWFT · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say softly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɔftli/ and the British form is /ˈsɒftli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.