Emily Dickinson Lexicon

softly, adv. [see soft, adj.]

1. Quietly; not loudly; in a whisper; under the breath; with a low volume.
2. Lightly; dreamily; surreally; supernaturally; [fig.] invisibly; imperceptibly.
3. Gently; carefully.
4. Effortlessly; fleetingly; nimbly; swiftly; trippingly.
5. Tenderly; with sensitivity.
6. Unobtrusively; without fanfare; without noise.
7. Placidly; calmly; sedately.
8. Faintly; [fig.] sibilantly; with a hissing sound.
9. Noiselessly; silently.
10. Genteelly; with dignity; [fig.] royally; nobly.
11. Deftly; neatly; dexterously; gracefully.
12. Deliberately; patiently; not feverishly.
13. Soundlessly and steadily.
14. Not brightly; in the background.