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speak softly JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/ˈspiːk ˈsɒftli/ · speak.soft.ly
verb
  1. to communicate in a gentle and quiet manner She tried to speak softly to the frightened child, but it only made her cry harder.
  2. to approach or deal with someone or something in a gentle and quiet manner The police officer tried to speak softly to the suspect, but he remained uncooperative.
idiom
  1. to use persuasion or diplomacy to achieve a goal The company tried to speak softly to the investors, promising a higher return on investment.
Did you know? The phrase 'speak softly' is often used in diplomacy and negotiation, where gentle communication can be more effective than aggressive or confrontational approaches.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 16, 2026