softly in WordNet English dictionary

1. with little weight or force
   "she kissed him lightly on the forehead"
   lightly  softly  gently  lightly  softly  gently 
   
2. used as a direction in music; to be played relatively softly
   piano  softly  piano  softly 
   
3. with low volume
   "speak softly but carry a big stick"; "she spoke quietly to the child"; "the radio was playing softly"
   softly  quietly  softly  quietly 
   
4. in a manner that is pleasing to the senses
   "she smiled softly"
   softly  softly