A2adverb2K

Quietly

UK /["/ˈkwaɪətli/"]/US /["/ˈkwaɪətli/"]/

Definition

in a way that makes very little noise

In simple words: In a way that makes little or no noise.

Examples

  • to ask/speak/talk quietly
  • to move/stand quietly
  • a quietly spoken woman
  • ‘I'm sorry,’ he **said quietly**.
  • I spent a few hours quietly relaxing.
  • He noticed the woman **sitting quietly** at the bar.
  • Sometimes a business begins quietly, as a hobby maybe, in a spare bedroom.
  • He is **quietly confident** that they can succeed *(= he is confident, but he is not talking about it too much)*.

Usage notes

Use 'quietly' to describe how an action is done with little sound. It’s appropriate in both casual and formal contexts but avoid in loud or raucous environments.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of a library where people whisper quietly to not disturb others.

Collocations

  • speak quietly
  • move quietly
  • whisper quietly

Synonyms

  • silently
  • softly
  • calmly
  • peacefully
  • subdued

Antonyms

  • loudly
  • noisily

Common mistakes

  • Using 'quietly' as an adjective (e.g. 'a quietly room').
  • Mistaking it for 'quiet' (adjective) instead of the adverb form.
  • Incorrectly placing 'quietly' at the beginning of a sentence.