ˈdʒɛntli ˈlaɪtli piˈɑnoʊ ˈkwaɪ.ɪt.li ˈsɔftli ˈsɒftli with low volume speak softly but carry a big stick she spoke quietly to the child the radio was playing softly with little weight or force she kissed him lightly on the forehead used as a direction in music; to be played relatively softly in a manner that is pleasing to the senses she smiled softly