“Quietly” is an adverb that describes an action being done in a way that makes little or no noise, or in a calm, subdued manner. Here are some synonyms and an analysis of each:
1. Silently
- Analysis: “Silently” means without making any sound at all. For example, “He closed the door silently so as not to wake anyone.” It emphasizes a complete absence of noise. In comparison to “quietly,” “silently” is more absolute in terms of the lack of sound. While “quietly” allows for the possibility of some minimal noise being made, “silently” implies a state of total silence during the action.
2. Softly
- Analysis: “Softly” means in a gentle or quiet way, often with a low volume of sound. For example, “She spoke softly so that only those close to her could hear.” It focuses on the gentle nature of the sound produced. In contrast to “quietly,” “softly” is more about the quality of the sound rather than just the general lack of noise. “Quietly” can refer to the overall quietness of an action or situation, while “softly” specifically highlights the soft or gentle quality of the sound itself.
3. Noiselessly
- Analysis: “Noiselessly” means without creating any noise or sound. It's similar to “silently” in that regard. For example, “The cat moved noiselessly across the room.” It emphasizes the smooth and soundless execution of an action. Compared to “quietly,” “noiselessly” is more emphatic about the absence of noise and gives a sense of a seamless, quiet movement or activity.
4. Hushedly
- Analysis: “Hushedly” means in a quiet, subdued way, often in a context where there is a sense of secrecy or a need for silence. For example, “They talked hushedly in the library.” It implies a sense of keeping voices or actions deliberately low-key. In contrast to “quietly,” “hushedly” has a more specific connotation of being quiet due to the surroundings or the nature of the situation, like when people are in a place where noise is not appropriate or when they are discussing something confidential.
5. Calmly
- Analysis: “Calmly” means in a peaceful, composed manner. For example, “He walked calmly down the street, ignoring the chaos around him.” While it doesn't directly focus on the lack of noise like “quietly” does, it can imply a quietness in the sense of a lack of agitation or fuss. In comparison to “quietly,” “calmly” is more about the mental state and the outward demeanor of being peaceful. An action done calmly might also be quiet, but the emphasis is more on the state of being composed rather than just the absence of sound.
6. Peacefully
- Analysis: “Peacefully” means in a state of peace or tranquility. For example, “The baby slept peacefully in its crib.” Similar to “calmly,” it emphasizes a sense of serenity. In contrast to “quietly,” “peacefully” is more about the overall atmosphere or the state of the subject rather than the specific absence of noise. However, an action or situation that is peaceful is often also quiet, but the focus is on the harmonious and undisturbed nature of it.